zonkyadjective (& noun)
Factsheet
What does the adjective zonky mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective zonky. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
How is the adjective zonky pronounced?
British English
Where does the adjective zonky come from?
Earliest known use
1970s
The earliest known use of the adjective zonky is in the 1970s.
OED's earliest evidence for zonky is from 1972, in Daily Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia).
zonky is formed within English, by derivation.
Etymons: zonked adj., ‑y suffix6.
Nearby entries
- Zonian, n.1910–
- zonic, adj.1797–
- zoning, n.a1821–
- zonite, n.1860–
- zonitic, adj.1888–
- zonk, v.1950–
- zonk, int.1949–
- zonked, adj.1959–
- zonkey, n.1953–
- zonking, adj.1958–
- zonky, adj.1972–
- zono-, comb. form
- zonochlorite, n.1872–
- zonociliate, adj.1885–
- zonoplacental, adj.1879–
- zonular, adj.1835–
- zonule, n.1828–
- zonulet, n.1648
- zonure, n.1883–
- zoo, n.1835–
- zoo-, comb. form
Etymology
Summary
Meaning & use
- 1972–Odd, weird, ‘freaky’. Hence as n., a person in this state.
- 1972
‘Wow, is this zonky?’ breathed an admiring observer softly, as she gazed incredulously at the newly opened, all-cardboard room.
Daily Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia) 26 April 22/5 - 1975
Unlike the honkey-tonk zonkies who used to hang out at his..workshop, shooting up or having sex in public view... Warhol has rarely, personally, done anything scandalous.
Globe & Mail (Toronto) 25 October 34/1 - 1977
That combination of the new and old seems to have escaped most journalists except—in one of his zonky moments of insight—Hunter Thompson.
New York Review of Books 28 April 12/3 - 1979
All the guy there does is..shakes his head. Makes you feel zonky..twittery.
B. Malamud, Dubin's Lives i. 22 - 1980
His book is really a study in ideas—or to coin an appropriately zonkey term—weirdology.
Times 6 November 12/6
the world action or operation behaviour a standard of conduct [nouns] deviation from normal standards of behaviour one who- fantastical1589–1616One who has fanciful ideas or notions.
- fantastic1598–One who has fanciful ideas or indulges in wild notions. Obs. exc. arch.
- earwig brain1599derogatory Obsolete. A person with silly or eccentric notions; = maggot-pate, n.
- erratic1623–An erratic person. One who is eccentric in modes of action, etc.
- exorbitant1627–1714One who or something which exceeds proper limits. Obsolete. rare.
- extravagant1627–1751One who does not keep within ordinary or reasonable limits; an exceptional or eccentric person; a fanatic. Obsolete.
- inconformable1633–Of persons: Not disposed or wont to conform; of incompliant disposition or practice: esp., in English History, Not conforming to the usages of…
- non-conformant1654–A person who does not conform; spec. = nonconformist, n. A.1a.
- original1675–A person who acts in an original way; a singular, odd, or eccentric person.
- nonconformista1677–A person who fails or refuses to conform to a particular practice or course of action.
- toy-pate1702A person with a head full of odd fancies or frivolities (cf. toy-headed, adj.).
- gig1777–An eccentric person; a person whose appearance is peculiar or ridiculous; dialect a fool. Chiefly Eton College slang. Cf. geck, n.¹, gegge, n.
- quiz1780–An odd or eccentric person; a person whose appearance is peculiar or ridiculous.
- pistol1828–figurative. English regional (north-western). A peculiar, eccentric, or disorderly person; (in weakened sense) a person, esp. a man. Usually derog…
- eccentric1832–A person whose conduct is irregular, odd, or whimsical.
- case1833–slang. In extended uses of senses 7, 8. U.S. An eccentric or comical person; a ‘character’.
- crank1833–colloquial (originally U.S.). disparaging. A person who is apt to take up eccentric notions or impracticable projects; esp. one who is…
- originalist1835–A person who acts, thinks, or otherwise behaves in an original way. Now rare.
- Bohemian1843–Now often with lower-case initial. A person, esp. one involved in the arts, who disregards or flouts social convention, and usually associates…
- bad girl1855–colloquial (originally U.S.). A woman who defies expected or approved standards of conduct, esp. one who behaves in a wild, rebellious, or…
- cure1856–An odd or eccentric person; a funny fellow.
- curiosity1864–Applied to a person who is ‘queer’ in his or her appearance, habits, etc.; cf. oddity, n.
- crackpot1883–A crack-brain, a crazy creature, a crank. Also attributive.
- hard case1892–Australian and New Zealand. An amusing or eccentric person, a ‘character’; typically (esp. in early use) one who is tough and adventurous. Cf. doer…
- hard doer1900–Australian and New Zealand. = hard case, n. A.3b; cf. doer, n. 5.
- mental case1908–A person diagnosed with or supposed to have a mental illness; (colloquial) a person who is irrational, uncontrolled, or eccentric. Now usually considered offensive.
- nut1908–colloquial (originally U.S.). A mad or crazy person; an eccentric, a crank.
- antisocial1909–A person who exhibits antisocial behaviour or who is considered to have a personality disorder causing this. See sense A.3a and antisocial personalit…
- loony bird1909–Chiefly disparaging. A person who is regarded as extremely foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric, delusional, or out of touch with reality. Now…
- screwball1933–colloquial (originally U.S.). A crazy or eccentric person; a madman; an oddball. Frequently as a mild term of abuse.
- odd bod1942–A person who is odd, strange, or eccentric.
- oddball1943–An eccentric or odd person; a person of unconventional views or habits. Cf. screwball, n. A.2.
- left fielder1953–A person or thing (esp. in the arts or entertainment) regarded as surprising, unconventional, radical, or experimental.
- loony tunes1957–Also in singular form loony tune. A person with a mental illness. Also: a person regarded as extremely foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric…
- boho1958–A person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian. Also as a mass noun: the lifestyle…
- numéro1958–= number, n. (in various senses). Also: an eccentric or strange person.
- Opposed or hostile to the establishment (establishment, n. A.II.9a) or established authority; characterized by or involving a lack of respect for, or…
- kook1960–A cranky, crazy, or eccentric person. Frequently attributive or as adj.
- flake1968–One who is ‘flaky’ or liable to act in an eccentric or crazy manner, a ‘screwball’; also, a foolish, slow-witted, or unreliable person. slang…
- nutball1968–A crazy, mad, or eccentric person. Cf. nutcase, n.
- woo-woo1971–Designating a person or group holding beliefs or following practices conventionally regarded as unscientific, irrational, or outlandish, esp. ones…
- woo-woo1972–A person who holds beliefs or follows practices conventionally regarded as unscientific, irrational, or outlandish, esp. ones relating to…
- zonky1972–Odd, weird, ‘freaky’. Hence as n., a person in this state.
- crazy-pants1975–slang (frequently derogatory). A person completely lacking in common sense, reason, or intelligence; a highly eccentric person. Frequently as a contemptuous form of address.
- wacko1977–= wack, n.¹
- wackadoo1979–A very foolish, irrational, or eccentric person. Cf. wacko, n.
- alternative1982–A person who or thing which represents an unorthodox style or approach; esp. a fan or performer of alternative music; (also) alternative music as a…
- wackadoodle1991–= wackadoo, n.
the world relative properties order disorder irregularity unconformity abnormality [adjectives] bizarre- remote1533–1779Strange, unusual; far-fetched, outlandish, bizarre. Obsolete.
- antic1579–Esp. of a person, or a person's attributes or actions: grotesquely amusing or playful; absurd, fantastical.
- outlandish1588–Looking or sounding foreign; unfamiliar, strange. Hence, in extended use: odd, bizarre; going beyond what is considered normal or acceptable…
- bizarrea1648–At variance with recognized ideas of taste, departing from ordinary style or usage; eccentric, extravagant, whimsical, strange, odd, fantastic.
- outré1722–Beyond the bounds of what is usual or considered correct and proper; unusual, peculiar; eccentric, unorthodox; extreme.
- weird1820–Out of the ordinary course, strange, unusual; hence, odd, fantastic.
- weirdish1863–Somewhat weird.
- ostrobogulous1951–Used after Neuburg to designate something that is slightly risqué or indecent. Also applied arbitrarily to things which are bizarre, interesting…
- ostrobogulatory1952–
- far-out1954–Of jazz: of the latest or most progressive kind. More generally, avant-garde, far-fetched; excellent, splendid. Originally U.S.
- schiz1957–slang (originally North American). Now likely to be considered offensive. Of a thing, situation, etc.: odd, bizarre; erratic, unpredictable; having inconsistent or contradictory elements.
- weirdo1962–Bizarre, eccentric, odd.
- freaky1967–colloquial. Of a person: strange or unconventional, esp. because of markedly unusual appearance or behaviour.
- flaky1972–slang (originally U.S.). Of an object, idea, etc.: characteristically eccentric or crazy; outrageous, unusual; also, unreliable or erratic.
- zonky1972–Odd, weird, ‘freaky’. Hence as n., a person in this state.
- gonzo1974–Bizarre, crazy; far-fetched.
- mondo bizarro1976–Very bizarre; tastelessly bizarre.
- freakish1977–Eerie or spooky; bizarre, grotesque.
- mondo1979–Designating a film reminiscent of Mondo Cane or belonging to the genre of films it inspired; having subject matter which is bizarre or in…
- freaky-deaky1981–Highly unusual, odd, or unconventional; freaky; (also) engaging in or relating to sexual behaviour regarded as unusual or unconventional.
- woo-woo1986–Designating beliefs or practices conventionally regarded as unscientific, irrational, or outlandish, esp. ones relating to spirituality, mysticism…
- freakazoid1990–Bizarre or freakish.
the world relative properties order disorder irregularity unconformity abnormality [nouns] oddness odd person- fantastical1589–1616One who has fanciful ideas or notions.
- singularist1593–1677One who differs from others, or from what is generally accepted; one who affects singularity.
- fantastic1598–One who has fanciful ideas or indulges in wild notions. Obs. exc. arch.
- earwig brain1599derogatory Obsolete. A person with silly or eccentric notions; = maggot-pate, n.
- singularitan1615–47= singularist, n. 1.
- extravagant1627–1751One who does not keep within ordinary or reasonable limits; an exceptional or eccentric person; a fanatic. Obsolete.
- original1675–A person who acts in an original way; a singular, odd, or eccentric person.
- toy-pate1702A person with a head full of odd fancies or frivolities (cf. toy-headed, adj.).
- queer fellow1712–a. Chiefly Irish English and Nautical, an odd or eccentric person, a ‘character’; b. slang (originally Military), a person in command or in charge.
- oddity1731–An odd or peculiar person.
- unaccountable1748–An unaccountable person.
- character1773–colloquial. An odd, extraordinary, or eccentric person.
- gig1777–An eccentric person; a person whose appearance is peculiar or ridiculous; dialect a fool. Chiefly Eton College slang. Cf. geck, n.¹, gegge, n.
- quiz1780–An odd or eccentric person; a person whose appearance is peculiar or ridiculous.
- quoz?1780–An odd or ridiculous person or thing; (with plural agreement) people or things of this kind. Also as int.: expressing incredulity or contempt. Cf…
- rum1788–1859An odd, dubious, or despicable person; a ‘rum customer’.
- rum touch1800–An odd, dubious, or suspect person.
- rum customer1803–An odd, dubious, or suspect person.
- pistol1828–figurative. English regional (north-western). A peculiar, eccentric, or disorderly person; (in weakened sense) a person, esp. a man. Usually derog…
- eccentric1832–A person whose conduct is irregular, odd, or whimsical.
- case1833–slang. In extended uses of senses 7, 8. U.S. An eccentric or comical person; a ‘character’.
- crank1833–colloquial (originally U.S.). disparaging. A person who is apt to take up eccentric notions or impracticable projects; esp. one who is…
- card1835–colloquial (originally slang). With modifying adjective (as knowing, rum, etc.): a person (esp. a man) regarded as having the specified character…
- card1853–colloquial (originally slang). Originally: an ingenious, clever, or audacious person. In later use chiefly: an odd or eccentric person, esp. one in…
- cure1856–An odd or eccentric person; a funny fellow.
- curiosity1864–Applied to a person who is ‘queer’ in his or her appearance, habits, etc.; cf. oddity, n.
- crackpot1883–A crack-brain, a crazy creature, a crank. Also attributive.
- hard case1892–Australian and New Zealand. An amusing or eccentric person, a ‘character’; typically (esp. in early use) one who is tough and adventurous. Cf. doer…
- queer shot1900–queer shot (dialect): an ‘odd customer’.
- gook1904–A stupid, annoying, or peculiar person; spec. †(a) a person who offers unsolicited advice or opinions, a know-all (obsolete); (b) (now chiefly) a… Now somewhat uncommon, perhaps due to the possibility of confusion with the derogatory and offensive gook, n.²
- mad hatter1905–A highly eccentric or crazy character (frequently in mad hatter's tea party).
- nut1908–colloquial (originally U.S.). A mad or crazy person; an eccentric, a crank.
- loony bird1909–Chiefly disparaging. A person who is regarded as extremely foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric, delusional, or out of touch with reality. Now…
- rummy1909–An odd or unconventional person.
- hard thing1918–= hard case, n. A.3b.
- hardshot1924–= hard case, n. A.3b.
- screwball1933–colloquial (originally U.S.). A crazy or eccentric person; a madman; an oddball. Frequently as a mild term of abuse.
- wack1938–An eccentric or crazy person; a madman, a crackpot.
- quaint1939–A strange or unusual person. rare.
- fruitcake1942–colloquial (originally U.S.). disparaging and potentially offensive. A wildly foolish or extremely eccentric person; (more strongly) a person…
- odd bod1942–A person who is odd, strange, or eccentric.
- oddball1943–An eccentric or odd person; a person of unconventional views or habits. Cf. screwball, n. A.2.
- loony tunes1957–Also in singular form loony tune. A person with a mental illness. Also: a person regarded as extremely foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric…
- numéro1958–= number, n. (in various senses). Also: an eccentric or strange person.
- kook1960–A cranky, crazy, or eccentric person. Frequently attributive or as adj.
- joker in the pack1963–An odd card in a pack, either left blank or ornamented with some design, used in some games, counting always as a trump and sometimes as the…
- flake1968–One who is ‘flaky’ or liable to act in an eccentric or crazy manner, a ‘screwball’; also, a foolish, slow-witted, or unreliable person. slang…
- woo-woo1972–A person who holds beliefs or follows practices conventionally regarded as unscientific, irrational, or outlandish, esp. ones relating to…
- zonky1972–Odd, weird, ‘freaky’. Hence as n., a person in this state.
- quirky1975–An eccentric person; a peculiar thing. rare.
- wacko1977–= wack, n.¹
- wackadoo1979–A very foolish, irrational, or eccentric person. Cf. wacko, n.
- wingnut1980–slang (disparaging). An unstable or irrational person; an eccentric. In later use sometimes: spec. (North American) a person who holds extreme…
- wackadoodle1991–= wackadoo, n.
Pronunciation
British English
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.
Consonants
b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values
- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige
Vowels
- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot