The phrase "conked out" means to suddenly lose power or to fall asleep abruptly. It is spelled with a "k" instead of a "c" because the origin of the word comes from the onomatopoeic sound of a person hitting their head and making a loud "conk" noise. The vowel sound in "conk" is pronounced as in the word "sock" and is transcribed as /ɒ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The second syllable, "ed," is pronounced with a short /ɛ/ sound as in "red."
Conked out is an idiomatic expression that is often used to describe the sudden cessation or failure of a mechanical device, vehicle, or electronic equipment. When something conks out, it means that it stops functioning or operating due to a malfunction or mechanical breakdown. The term "conked out" is commonly used to refer to situations where an engine suddenly stops running, a machine abruptly shuts down, or an electrical appliance ceases to work.
The phrase can also be applied to living beings, particularly in colloquial or informal contexts. In this sense, when a person conks out, it means that they fall into a deep sleep or become very tired. It implies a sudden and unexpected loss of consciousness or energy, often resulting from exhaustion or fatigue. The phrase can be used when someone falls asleep unceremoniously or collapses from extreme tiredness.
Additionally, "conked out" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is in an unconscious or incapacitated state, either due to physical exhaustion or intoxication. It emphasizes a state of extreme fatigue or lack of control over one's body.
Overall, "conked out" is a versatile idiom that can depict various scenarios, such as the failure of machines or devices, a deep sleep or exhaustion, and the loss of consciousness or control over one's body.
The origin of the phrase "conked out" is unclear, although it is thought to have emerged in American English during the early 20th century. It is believed that the term may have originated from the noun "conk", which referred to the nose or head. "Conk" itself derives from the Dutch word "conck", meaning "knock" or "blow".
The association between "conk" and "conked out" likely stems from the idea of being hit or knocked unconscious, resulting in a state of temporary or sudden incapacity. Over time, the phrase "conked out" evolved to broadly represent the concept of malfunctioning, deteriorating, or failing, beyond just a physical state of unconsciousness. Today, it is commonly used to describe anything that has suddenly stopped working or functioning properly.