From British slang knacker, originally meaning a horse sent to the knacker’s yard for disposal, later extended to mean to wear out or kill, giving the adjective knackered for something exhausted or broken.
From British slang knacker, originally meaning a horse sent to the knacker’s yard for disposal, later extended to mean to wear out or kill, giving the adjective knackered for something exhausted or broken.
What does knackered mean in British English?
It means extremely tired or exhausted, and it can also describe something that is broken or no longer usable.
Is knackered a formal word?
No, it is informal slang and is usually used in casual conversation.
Can knackered be used to describe objects?
Yes, it can describe an object that is worn out, broken, or beyond repair.
Where does the word knackered come from?
It derives from the British slang knacker, a term for a person who disposes of dead animals, later meaning to wear out or kill.
How is knackered different from tired?
While tired is neutral, knackered adds a stronger, informal sense of extreme fatigue or brokenness.