How Do You Spell KNACKERED?

Pronunciation: [nˈakəd] (IPA)

Knackered is a British slang term that means extremely tired or worn out. The word is spelled with a "kn" at the beginning, despite the fact that the "k" is typically silent in English words containing "kn". This surprising spelling can be explained with IPA phonetic transcription: /nækəd/, where the "k" sound is replaced by a glottal stop (represented by the apostrophe) and the "n" sound is pronounced as normal. This unique spelling adds to the word's distinctiveness and adds a touch of whimsy to its meaning.

Meaning and Definition
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KNACKERED Meaning and Definition

  1. Knackered is an informal adjective commonly used in British and Australian English to describe a state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. This expression is primarily used to express physical fatigue resulting from exertion or prolonged activity.

    Originating from the word "knacker," which refers to a person who slaughters or disposes of old or injured animals, the term knackered carries connotations of being worn out or rendered useless, similar to the fate of the animals handled by a knacker.

    When someone is knackered, they typically feel completely drained and lack the energy to continue or engage in further tasks or activities. It often implies a sense of overwhelming fatigue and the need for rest or sleep.

    The term knackered is frequently employed colloquially in casual conversations, either to express one's own exhaustion or to empathize with others who are feeling tired. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe objects or systems that are dysfunctional, broken, or no longer functioning properly due to excessive use or wear and tear.

    Overall, knackered serves as a vivid and relatable expression for expressing severe tiredness, providing a concise and expressive means of communication in colloquial English.

Top Common Misspellings for KNACKERED *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

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Etymology of KNACKERED

The word "knackered" is said to have originated in British English. Its etymology traces back to the mid-19th century, where it was initially used in reference to worn-out or exhausted horses. The term derives from the word "knacker", which denotes a person who renders dead or discarded animals for various purposes, such as animal feed or fertilizer. Over time, the term "knackered" expanded its usage and began to be applied to humans, meaning tired, worn-out, or extremely fatigued. It has since become a common slang term in both British and Irish English.

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