What it means
Means to suddenly stop working or to drop off to sleep, usually in a proper unglamorous heap. You’ll hear it for cars, phones, kettles, anything that just gives up with no warning. Works for people too, especially after a heavy night or a long shift when your body basically taps out. Handy little phrase, no drama, just lights out.
Usage examples
"Van conked out on the M25, so I’m on the hard shoulder with a grim meal deal. Got to Nan’s, collapsed, and conked out mid-Coronation Street."
"The old van conked out halfway up the hill and we had to push."
"I conked out on the sofa before the film even finished."
"My phone conked out at 2 percent and now I'm just raw-dogging the journey with no music."
"He sat down for five minutes after the night shift and fully conked out in his work trousers."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
It goes back to early 20th century English, first tied to engines that suddenly stopped or lost power. By the First World War, airmen were using conk out for an engine cutting out mid-flight. From there it spread neatly into everyday speech for machines dying on you and people dropping off to sleep.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
