Etymology
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conk (v.)

as in conk out, 1918, coined by World War I airmen, perhaps in imitation of the sound of a stalling motor, reinforced by conk (v.) "hit on the head," originally "punch in the nose" (1821), from conk (n.), slang for "nose" (1812), perhaps from fancied resemblance of the nose to a conch (pronounced "conk") shell. Perhaps also imitative: Compare Greek konk, a syllable representing the sound made by a pebble striking the bottom of the (metal) voting urn [William Smith, "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities"].

Entries linking to conk

conch (n.)

"large sea-shell," originally of bivalves, early 15c., from Latin concha "shellfish, mollusk," from Greek konkhē "mussel, cockle," also metaphoric of shell-like objects ("hollow of the ear; knee-cap; brain-pan; case round a seal; knob of a shield," etc.), from PIE root *konkho- (source also of Sanskrit sankha- "mussel") or else from a Pre-Greek word.

Since 18c. used of large gastropods. As a name for natives of Florida Keys (originally especially poor whites) it is attested from at least 1833, from their use of the flesh of the conch as food; the preferred pronunciation there ("kongk") preserves the classical one. Related: Conchate; conchiform; conchoidal.

The white Americans form a comparatively small proportion of the population of Key West, the remainder being Bahama negroes, Cuban refugees, and white natives of the Bahamas and their descendants, classified here under the general title of Conchs. [Circular No. 8, U.S. War Dept., May 1, 1875]

updated on October 09, 2020

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Definitions of conk from WordNet
1
conk (v.)
come to a stop;
Synonyms: stall
conk (v.)
hit, especially on the head;
The stranger conked him and he fainted
conk (v.)
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life;
Synonyms: die / decease / perish / go / exit / pass away / expire / pass / kick the bucket / cash in one's chips / buy the farm / give-up the ghost / drop dead / pop off / choke / croak / snuff it
conk (v.)
pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain;
Synonyms: faint / swoon / pass out
2
conk (n.)
informal term for the nose;
Etymologies are not definitions. From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near conk

conjunctivitis

conjuncture

conjuration

conjure

conjurer

conk

conker

conkers

conlang

connate

connect

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