What does bonking mean?
Bonking refers to the act of striking or colliding with something, often with a loud noise. This term is commonly used in sports contexts, such as cycling or rowing, where athletes may bonk into each other during a competition. The word can also be used in a more general sense to describe any type of collision or impact. Bonking is often associated with a sense of suddenness and force, and can be used to convey a sense of urgency or danger. In some cases, bonking may also imply a sense of carelessness or recklessness. Overall, bonking is a useful word for describing a range of situations where objects or people come into contact with each other.
verbTo strike or collide with something, often with a loud noise, especially in a sports context, such as in cycling or rowing.
- 1. To strike or collide with something, often with a loud noise.
"The cyclists were warned to avoid bonking into each other during the tight turn."
"The cyclists were warned to avoid bonking into each other during the tight turn."
"The rowers bonked into the dock, causing a loud splash."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bonking
The word 'bonking' is thought to have originated from the sound of objects colliding, which is often accompanied by a loud noise. The term is likely related to other words such as 'bank' and 'strike', which also convey a sense of impact or collision.
Usage notes
Bonking is often used in informal contexts, such as in sports or casual conversation. It can be used to convey a sense of suddenness or force, and is often associated with a sense of urgency or danger. In some cases, bonking may also imply a sense of carelessness or recklessness.