CONKING OUT Meaning and
Definition
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Conking out is an idiomatic expression primarily used to describe the sudden and unexpected failure, malfunction, or cessation of a mechanical device, engine, or piece of equipment. It refers to an abrupt stoppage or an inability to continue working properly. When something conks out, it essentially stops functioning or operating as intended due to a fault, defect, or exhaustion of power.
This phrase is commonly associated with motor vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, or boats, where it typically denotes engine failure or breakdown. It can result from a variety of reasons, including mechanical issues, lack of maintenance, or running out of fuel. Additionally, it may be used to describe the failure of other devices, like household appliances, electronic gadgets, or even the human body when it becomes fatigued or depleted of energy.
The term "conking out" is widely understood to describe a sudden and unforeseen event, suggesting an unexpected halt or interruption in the normal functioning of a particular item. It conveys a sense of abruptness and is often accompanied by a loss of power or potency. The connotation of the phrase tends to imply an inconvenient or frustrating situation, as it often requires repair, maintenance, or replacement of the faulty item in order to restore it to its working condition.
Common Misspellings for CONKING OUT
- xonking out
- vonking out
- fonking out
- donking out
- cinking out
- cknking out
- clnking out
- cpnking out
- c0nking out
- c9nking out
- cobking out
- cojking out
- cohking out
- conjing out
- conling out
- conoing out
- coniing out
- conkung out
- conkjng out
- conkkng out
Etymology of CONKING OUT
The phrase "conking out" originated in the early 20th century in African American English. "Conk" originally referred to a type of hairstyle achieved by chemically straightening or relaxing tightly coiled hair, primarily among African Americans. The term "conk" may have derived from "conk", meaning "knock" or "hit", referring to the process of straightening the hair. Over time, "conk" started to be used metaphorically to describe other things that become straightened out, fixed, or repaired.
By the 1940s, "conk out" emerged as a slang expression to describe the malfunction or failure of a machine or engine. It was often associated with cars or aircraft suddenly stalling or losing power. The term gained popularity and became more widely used in American English, eventually extending to describe any type of sudden failure or breakdown, not limited to mechanical objects.
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