What it means
Means to suddenly stop working or to drop off to sleep, usually in a proper unglamorous heap. You’ll hear it for cars, phones, kettles, anything that just gives up with no warning. Works for people too, especially after a heavy night or a long shift when your body basically taps out. Handy little phrase, no drama, just lights out.
Usage examples
"Van conked out on the M25, so I’m on the hard shoulder with a grim meal deal. Got to Nan’s, collapsed, and conked out mid-Coronation Street."
"The old van conked out halfway up the hill and we had to push."
"I conked out on the sofa before the film even finished."
Where it comes from
Comes from First World War flying slang, where a conking engine was one spluttering and cutting out mid-air. The sound-word conk spread from failing engines to anything that quits without warning, people included.
Editors of this term
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