conk
UK[kɒŋk]US[kɑːŋk]
v
To hit someone on the head.
v
(informal) To stop working or functioning; to break down.
n
(informal) A person's nose or head.
n
A hairstyle in which hair is straightened, typically using chemicals.
Etymology
The word 'conk' is a vivid example of onomatopoeia entering the lexicon. It first appeared in English in the 19th century, imitating the sharp, hollow sound of a blow to a hard surface, particularly the human head. This sound symbolism directly gave rise to its primary verbal meaning of hitting someone on the head. By metaphorical extension, this sense of a sudden impact or failure led to the informal meaning of a machine breaking down, while the association with the head spawned the slang terms for the nose and, later, for a hairstyle worn on the head.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It is likely an onomatopoeic coinage, imitating the sound of a hard blow. Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
The falling branch conked him on the head, and he was out cold.
My old car finally conked out on the highway during the storm.
He wiped his large, red conk with a handkerchief.