What does plonking mean?
Plonking is the present participle of plonk, an informal word for the dull, hollow sound made when a heavy object falls, drops, or lands. It can describe the sound itself, as in “a plonking noise from the next room,” or the action of producing that sound. The word also has an informal adjective sense meaning “very large” or “great,” particularly in British and Australian English: “a plonking great sandwich.” This use adds emphasis and a humorous, exaggerated tone rather than sounding neutral or technical. Plonking belongs mainly to everyday speech and is especially evocative because it imitates the noise of something substantial hitting the ground. Although it can be used seriously to report a loud impact, the word often appears in descriptions with a playful or comic effect.
To make or produce a dull, hollow sound like a heavy object falling or landing.
"The sacks of mail plonked onto the pavement."
Usually used with an object that falls, is dropped, or is set down heavily.
Very large or great.
"They served us a plonking slice of cake."
Informal and especially common in British and Australian English.
One loud “plonk” can mean something heavy has landed—or, in British informal use, that it is simply plonking big.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plonking come from?
The verb “plonk” is an informal word whose sound imitates a heavy object falling or landing; it is often associated with a dull, resonant impact. “Plonking” was formed by adding the present-participle ending -ing to that verb. The related informal noun “plonker” also comes from the same family and can refer to a large object or, disparagingly, an unwelcome person.
Related word forms
How plonking is actually used
The sound-related sense is familiar in British and American English. The adjective sense is chiefly informal and is especially associated with British and Australian speech; in American English, “plonking” is not normally used to mean “very large.”