Pronunciation: [stˈɑːkəz] (IPA) 
Starkers is a British English slang word that means completely naked. The spelling of this word appears unusual but can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The "st" sound is pronounced as [st], while the "a" is pronounced as [ɑː]. The "r" is silent in this word, and the "k" is pronounced as [k]. Finally, the "e" sound is pronounced as [ɪ]. Therefore, the correct IPA phonetic transcription of "starkers" is [ˈstɑːkəz].
Starkers is an informal adjective that refers to a person who is completely undressed or naked. It is synonymous with the words nude, disrobed, unclothed, or bare. The term is primarily used in British English and is of fairly recent origin, dating back to around the late 19th or early 20th century.
Starkers can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is utterly vulnerable or exposed, lacking any protection or defenses in a situation. It conveys a sense of complete openness and absence of disguise or cover. This figurative usage is often seen in the phrase "starkers truth" or "starkers reality," emphasizing a stark or unadorned truth or reality without any concealment or embellishment.
The word is believed to have originated as a slang term, possibly derived from the British dialectal word "stark," meaning completely or utterly. The suffix "-ers" is often used informally in colloquial British English to form adjectives from nouns, such as "biters" (mosquitoes), "smokers" (cigarettes), or "gawkers" (spectators).
Overall, "starkers" is a colloquial term used to describe nudity or complete exposure, both literally and metaphorically. It conveys a straightforward and unembellished concept, underscoring the absence of clothing or defenses in a person or situation.
The word "starkers" originated in early 20th century English slang and has its roots in two separate words. Firstly, "stark" comes from Old English "stearc" or "sterk", meaning rigid, stiff, or strict. It evolved to mean completely or absolutely, often used to describe things in their pure or unadulterated form. Secondly, "ers" is a suffix used to form agent nouns, indicating someone or something that performs a particular action. When these two elements were combined, "starkers" emerged as a term to describe someone who is completely or utterly naked.
