Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: knackered
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)
Episode Overview
This episode focuses on the word “knackered,” highlighting its meaning, origins, usage, and cultural context. Host Peter Sokolowski explores how the word is commonly used, its evolution over time, and how it fits into both British and American English. The episode provides a blend of etymology, example sentences, and insightful commentary in Merriam-Webster's clear, informative style.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Definition and Usage
- Knackered is presented as an adjective:
- "It's mostly used informally in British English to mean very tired or exhausted."
(00:34)
- "It's mostly used informally in British English to mean very tired or exhausted."
2. Example in Context
Peter provides a vivid, relatable example from the Western Mail of Cardiff:
- "How are you doing? Yeah, good, thanks. Just tired. I don't know about you, but it feels like I'm having a version of this exchange at least once a day. It seems that everyone I know is genuinely and profoundly knackered. My friends say it, my postman says it, my teenage son says it. Even my partner, who usually has the energy levels of a Duracell powered soft toy, grudgingly admits his batteries are drained."
(00:49)
3. Noted Synonym and Reasoning
- An apt synonym for “knackered” is “dead tired,” and Peter explains this is accurate "for more than one reason."
(01:22)
4. Etymology and Linguistic Origins
- 20th Century Coinage:
- "Knackered is a 20th century coinage that comes from the past participle of knacker, a slang term meaning to kill as well as to tire, exhaust, or wear out."
(01:24)
- "Knackered is a 20th century coinage that comes from the past participle of knacker, a slang term meaning to kill as well as to tire, exhaust, or wear out."
- Earlier Meanings:
- The verb “knacker” likely comes from “an older noun, knacker, which first referred to a harness maker or saddle maker and later to a buyer of animals no longer able to do farm work or their carcasses.”
(01:39)
- The verb “knacker” likely comes from “an older noun, knacker, which first referred to a harness maker or saddle maker and later to a buyer of animals no longer able to do farm work or their carcasses.”
5. Transatlantic Usage
- Though used on both sides of the Atlantic, “knackered” is "more common among British speakers."
(01:52)
6. Closing and Call to Action
- Peter ends with the standard invitation:
- "With your Word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
(01:56) - Followed by a prompt to visit merriamwebster.com for more explorations of language.
(02:04)
- "With your Word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On exhaustion in everyday life:
"It seems that everyone I know is genuinely and profoundly knackered. My friends say it, my postman says it, my teenage son says it. Even my partner, who usually has the energy levels of a Duracell powered soft toy, grudgingly admits his batteries are drained."
— Peter Sokolowski quoting the Western Mail of Cardiff (00:49) -
On etymology:
"Knackered is a 20th century coinage that comes from the past participle of knacker, a slang term meaning to kill as well as to tire, exhaust, or wear out."
— Peter Sokolowski (01:24) -
On transatlantic differences:
"Knackered is used on both sides of the Atlantic, but is more common among British speakers."
— Peter Sokolowski (01:52)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:34 — Word introduction and spelling
- 00:49 — Example sentence, daily life reference
- 01:24 — Origin and etymology
- 01:52 — Transatlantic usage
- 01:56 — Episode wrap-up
Tone
The tone is warm, slightly witty, and scholarly, with relatable examples and straightforward explanations highlighting Merriam-Webster’s approachable yet authoritative style.
For more on today’s word and others, visit merriamwebster.com!