bonk
bonk Lexical Profile
bonk Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sharp, hollow-sounding blow, knock, or bump, especially on the head.
"A accidental bonk on the head from the low doorway left him rubbing his forehead."
A condition of sudden, severe exhaustion and energy depletion experienced by endurance athletes due to the exhaustion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles.
"Experienced marathon runners carry energy gels to avoid the dreaded bonk during the final miles."
British An act of sexual intercourse (informal slang).
"The tabloid press published salacious rumors about a secret bonk between the two reality television stars."
• verb
To hit, strike, or bump someone or something lightly, especially on the head, producing a dull or hollow sound.
"He stood up too quickly in the attic and bonked his head on a wooden rafter."
To reach a point of sudden, severe physical exhaustion and energy depletion during an endurance sport due to glycogen depletion.
"The cyclist forgot to eat during the mountain stage and completely bonked five miles from the finish line."
British To have sexual intercourse with someone (informal slang).
"The gossip columnist hinted that the two co-stars had been bonking behind the scenes."
• interjection
Used to imitate or represent the dull, hollow sound of a knock or impact.
"Bonk! The falling acorn bounced right off the top of his helmet."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British, Australian, and New Zealand informal usage, 'bonk' is a common slang term for sexual intercourse, whereas in North America it primarily refers to a light blow to the head or sudden physical exhaustion in endurance sports.
• Rhymes for bonk
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 20th century, of imitative origin mimicking the dull, hollow sound of an impact.