KNACKER Meaning and
Definition
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A knacker is a noun that can refer to different meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it denotes a person who engages in the processing of dead animals, specifically livestock and horses, for various purposes. As an occupation, the knacker is responsible for disposing of animal carcasses by rendering them into byproducts such as tallow, glue, or pet food. This recycling of deceased animals plays an essential role in waste management and economic sustainability.
Additionally, in British slang, the word knacker is used as an offensive term to refer to a contemptible or useless individual. It is often employed to express annoyance or frustration towards someone's behavior or incompetence. Though its origins are uncertain, this derogatory slang usage gained popularity in the late 20th century and remains prevalent in casual speech.
Furthermore, knacker can also be utilized as a slang verb meaning to exhaust or wear out. It carries a connotation of extreme fatigue or physical exertion, often associated with overwork or excessive strain. This colloquial usage is commonly heard in informal conversations, particularly in British English.
Overall, the term knacker encompasses various meanings, ranging from an occupation centered around animal carcass disposal, to an offensive slang term, and even as a verb signifying extreme tiredness.
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• A maker of knacks or toys.
• One whose business is to slaughter old worn-out horses, an office which seemed to have fallen to the knacker or coarse harness maker; a dealer in worn-out horses and dog's meat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for KNACKER
Etymology of KNACKER
The word "knacker" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Middle English noun "knakke", meaning "a hard blow" or "a snapping sound". This word likely originated from the Old English verb "hnǣcan", which means "to knock". Over time, "knacker" started to specifically refer to a person who slaughtered worn-out or injured horses and animals for their meat, hides, and bones. Due to the nature of their work and the sounds associated with it, this term became associated with the idea of breaking or knocking things apart. Consequently, "knacker" eventually expanded to refer to someone who disassembles, salvages, or recycles discarded items or machinery.
Idioms with the word KNACKER
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ready for the knacker's yard
The idiom "ready for the knacker's yard" is used to describe something that is old, worn out, or beyond repair and is no longer useful or functional. It originates from the practice of sending old or injured horses to the knacker's yard, where they would be slaughtered and their bodies disposed of.
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the knacker's yard
The knacker's yard refers to a place where old or sick animals are taken to be euthanized or destroyed, often used metaphorically to suggest something or someone that is past their best and should be retired or replaced.
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end up in the knacker's yard
The idiom "end up in the knacker's yard" means to become worn out, broken, or useless, usually referring to a person or thing that has been overworked or mistreated. It can also imply being rejected or discarded due to being no longer useful or valuable. The phrase originates from the practice of sending old or injured horses to a knacker's yard (a place where animals are processed for their meat, hides, and bones) for disposal.
Similar spelling words for KNACKER
Conjugate verb Knacker
CONDITIONAL
I
would knacker
you
would knacker
he/she/it
would knacker
we
would knacker
they
would knacker
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be knackering
you
would be knackering
he/she/it
would be knackering
we
would be knackering
they
would be knackering
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have knacker
you
would have knacker
he/she/it
would have knacker
we
would have knacker
they
would have knacker
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been knackering
you
would have been knackering
he/she/it
would have been knackering
we
would have been knackering
they
would have been knackering
FUTURE
I
will knacker
you
will knacker
he/she/it
will knacker
we
will knacker
they
will knacker
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be knackering
you
will be knackering
he/she/it
will be knackering
we
will be knackering
they
will be knackering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have knackered
you
will have knackered
he/she/it
will have knackered
we
will have knackered
they
will have knackered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been knackering
you
will have been knackering
he/she/it
will have been knackering
we
will have been knackering
they
will have been knackering
IMPERATIVE
you
knacker
we
let´s knacker
to knacker
PAST
I
knackered
you
knackered
he/she/it
knackered
we
knackered
they
knackered
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was knackering
you
were knackering
he/she/it
was knackering
we
were knackering
they
were knackering
PAST PARTICIPLE
knackered
PAST PERFECT
I
had knackered
you
had knackered
he/she/it
had knackered
we
had knackered
they
had knackered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been knackering
you
had been knackering
he/she/it
had been knackering
we
had been knackering
they
had been knackering
PRESENT
I
knacker
you
knacker
he/she/it
knackers
we
knacker
they
knacker
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am knackering
you
are knackering
he/she/it
is knackering
we
are knackering
they
are knackering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
knackering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have knackered
you
have knackered
he/she/it
has knackered
we
have knackered
they
have knackered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been knackering
you
have been knackering
he/she/it
has been knackering
we
have been knackering
they
have been knackering
I
would have knackered
we
would have knackered
you
would have knackered
he/she/it
would have knackered
they
would have knackered
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