zonked, adj.

zonked
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zonked_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 1986; not fully revised

# zonkedadjective

## Earlier version

- zonked, ppl. a. (chiefly pred.) in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the adjective zonked mean?

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective zonked. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, 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 common is the adjective zonked?

Fewer than 0.01occurrences per million words in modern written English

1950 | 0.0046
1960 | 0.0056
1970 | 0.0064
1980 | 0.0069
1990 | 0.008
2000 | 0.0093
2010 | 0.01

### How is the adjective zonked pronounced?

#### British English

/zɒŋkt/
zonkt

### Where does the adjective zonked come from?

Earliest known use

1950s

The earliest known use of the adjective zonked is in the 1950s.

OED's earliest evidence for zonked is from 1959, in Esquire Magazine.

zonked is formed within English, by derivation.

Etymons: zonk v., ‑ed suffix1.

### Nearby entries

1. zone refining, n. 1952–
2. zone therapy, n. 1915–
3. zone time, n. 1908–
4. Zonian, n. 1910–
5. zonic, adj. 1797–
6. zoning, n. a1821–
7. zonite, n. 1860–
8. zonitic, adj. 1888–
9. zonk, v. 1950–
10. zonk, int. 1949–
11. zonked, adj.1959–
12. zonkey, n. 1953–
13. zonking, adj. 1958–
14. zonky, adj. 1972–
15. zono-, comb. form
16. zonochlorite, n. 1872–
17. zonociliate, adj. 1885–
18. zonoplacental, adj. 1879–
19. zonular, adj. 1835–
20. zonule, n. 1828–
21. zonulet, n. 1648

## Etymology

### Summary

Formed within English, by derivation.
< zonk v. + ‑ed suffix1.

## Meaning & use

slang. Chiefly in predicative use.

1. 1.
   1959–
   Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; ‘stoned’. Frequently const. out. Also transferred and figurative.
   1. 1959

      > Zonked, one who is stoned, high, drunk.

      Esquire November 70j
   2. 1967

      > Most of the drivers one meets should not be allowed to take charge of a car when sober—let alone when three parts zonked.

      New Scientist 19 October 185/1
   3. 1967

      > If only Mr Green weren't Jewish, he could swing around the world on the magic carpet completely zonked out.

      P. Welles, Babyhip iv. 53
   4. 1968

      > Everybody..had taken acid and they were zonked.

      T. Wolfe, Electric Kool-aid Acid Test vi. 70
   5. 1972

      > We sat..drinking arak and wine, and then beer, and we all got pretty zonked.

      J. Wambaugh, Blue Knight (1973) xiv. 246
   6. 1973

      > I'm serious. Zonked about her. Way out.

      H. Nielsen, Severed Key x. 107
   7. 1975

      > Susan begins an affair with a zonked-out type who calls himself Commander Cloud.

      Publishers Weekly 20 January 78/1
   8. 1977

      > Thousands of young people squeezed themselves into Radio City Music Hall to enjoy, scream at, get zonked to Jethro Tull.

      Rolling Stone 24 March 84/1
   9. 1979

      > A..Caucasian woman obviously zonked out..and a tracery of leaves resembling cannabis.

      Daily Telegraph April 21/5
   drug use colloquial and slang
   1. intoxicated 1576–
      In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; drunk.
   2. drunk 1585–
      Intoxicated or stupefied by opium, tobacco, etc.
   3. besotted 1831–
      Intoxicated or muddled by a narcotic.
   4. drugged 1871–
      Of sleep, a state, etc.: induced or affected by a drug. Of a person: intoxicated or sedated by a drug.
   5. charged 1880–
      colloquial (originally U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated, under the influence of drugs. Now frequently with up.
   6. dopey 1896–
      Sluggish or stupefied, with or as with a drug.
   7. piped 1906–
      U.S. slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of drugs. Chiefly in predicative use. Cf. as drunk as a piper at piper, n.¹ phrases P.2.
   8. lit 1912–
      slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   9. loaded 1923–
      U.S. slang. Drugged; under the influence of drugs; containing a drug. (Cf. load, n. 5a(a).)
   10. high 1932–
       Under the influence of, stimulated by, an illicit drug or drugs. Frequently with on.
   11. polluted 1938–
       slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated, drunk; (also) under the influence of drugs.
   12. stone 1945–
       As adj., excited; intoxicated with drink or drugs, ‘stoned’. U.S. slang. rare.
   13. straight 1946–
       Chiefly in predicative use. U.S. slang. High on drugs; spec. (of an addict) having had one's fix (fix, n. 4). Contrast sense A.V.21a.
   14. on the nod 1951–
       slang. Asleep; falling asleep. Later also (originally and chiefly U.S.): drowsy or intoxicated through taking narcotic drugs.
   15. buzzed 1952–
       slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated or ‘high’ on alcohol or drugs; excited, thrilled, stimulated. Cf. buzz, n.¹ 2b.
   16. stoned 1953–
       slang. In a state of drug-induced euphoria, ‘high’; also, incapacitated or stimulated by drugs, drugged. Originally U.S.
   17. impaired 1957–
       Originally and chiefly Canadian. Of the driver of a motor vehicle, or his or her driving: adversely affected by the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   18. hung 1958–
       slang. Affected by excess of liquor (or drugs).
   19. turned-on 1958–
       slang (originally U.S.). In figurative uses, corresponding to to turn on 3. Originally: intoxicated with drugs; high. Later (chiefly in the mid…
   20. strung out 1959–
       In the sense of string, v. 3. strung out: weak or ill, esp. as a result of drug addiction; hence, addicted to, using, or ‘high’ on drugs. slang…
   21. zonked 1959–
       Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; ‘stoned’. Frequently const. out. Also transferred and figurative.
   22. shot 1964–
       With up, severely wounded or damaged by shooting. Also figurative (colloquial) and transferred, drugged (U.S. slang).
   23. out of (also off) one's bird 1966–
       U.S. slang. out of (also off) one's bird: out of one's mind; unable to think or act rationally or sensibly; crazy, insane. Also: (so as to be)…
   24. ripped 1966–
       U.S. slang. Under the influence of a drug or alcohol; extremely intoxicated. Also ripped to the tits (also gills).
   25. wiped 1966–
       predicative. Chiefly with out. slang (originally U.S.). spec. Intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
   26. amped 1967–
       Under the influence of amphetamines or another stimulant. In extended use: very excited or energetic; (also) agitated, on edge. Frequently in amped-up…
   27. tanked 1968–
       slang. Filled with (alcoholic) drink; intoxicated; occasionally transferred, drugged. Frequently with up. Also in tanked to the wide (cf. wide, n.)…
   28. wrecked 1968–
       Intoxicated; under the influence of drugs. U.S. slang.
   29. whacked out 1969–
       whacked out: mad, crazy; spec. intoxicated with drugs. Cf. wacky, adj. U.S.
   30. wired 1970–
       In extended use. Of a person. colloquial. Intoxicated or ‘high’ on drugs, esp. so as to become hyper or overstimulated. Hence: in a state of nervous…
   31. jagged 1973–
       Intoxicated by, or under the influence of, drugs.
   32. funked up 1976–
       Of a person: excited, thrilled, esp. by music; (sometimes also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (sometimes perhaps as a euphemistic…
   33. annihilated 1980–
       slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated with alcohol or drugs; extremely drunk or high. Cf. obliterated, adj. 2.
   34. junked out 1982–
       Incapacitated by drugs; addicted to heroin. Cf. junk, n.¹ A.8.
   35. obliterated 1984–
       U.S. slang. Extremely drunk; high on drugs. Cf. annihilated, adj. 2.
   36. cabbaged 1991–
       British slang. Incapacitated by drugs or alcohol (or their after-effects); extremely intoxicated. Cf. cabbage, n.¹ II.6.
   37. caned 1992–
       slang. Intoxicated, esp. on drugs. Frequently in to get caned. Cf. cane, v.¹ additions c.
   38. wankered 1992–
       Intoxicated with alcohol or drugs; extremely drunk.
   39. twatted 1993–
       Drunk; intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. drunken Old English–
      Overcome by liquor; intoxicated; = drunk, adj.
   2. fordrunken Old English–1513
      Drunk, overcome with drink.
   3. cup-shotten c1330–1693
      = cup-shot, adj., being the earlier form.
   4. drunk a1400–
      That has drunk intoxicating liquor to an extent which affects steady self-control; intoxicated, inebriated; overcome by alcoholic liquor. The degree…
   5. inebriate 1497–
      Inebriated, drunken; intoxicated (literal and figurative). Often construed as past participle.
   6. overseen c1500–1854
      Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in overseen with drink (also wine, etc.). Obsolete (British regional in later use).
   7. liquor 1509–
      With reference to intoxicating effect. disguised with liquor = disguised, adj. 6.in liquor: in a state of intoxication. to be (the) worse for liquor…
   8. fou 1535–
      Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. full, adj. A.3d.i.
   9. nase?1536–1612
      Drunken, intoxicated. Of liquor: intoxicating.
   10. full 1554–
       Drunk, intoxicated. See also fou, adj. colloquial in later use.
   11. intoxicate 1554–
       In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; = intoxicated, adj. 3a. Now rare.
   12. tippled 1564–1670
       Intoxicated, drunk.
   13. intoxicated 1576–
       In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; drunk.
   14. pepst 1577
       Perhaps: drunk.
   15. overflown 1579–
       = overflowed, adj.
   16. whip-cat 1582–
       †a. adj. Drunken; b. n. (also whip-the-cat), a tailor or other workman who whips the cat.
   17. pottical 1586–90
       Full of, or inspired by, alcohol.
   18. cup-shot a1593–1699
       Overcome with liquor, intoxicated.
   19. fox-drunk 1592
       (See quot.).
   20. lion-drunk 1592–1634
       Said of a person in the second of the proverbial four stages of drunkenness, thought to be characterized by violent and quarrelsome behaviour.
   21. nappy 1592–
       Chiefly English regional (northern) and Scottish. Slightly intoxicated or exhilarated by drink. Now rare.
   22. sack-sopped 1593–
   23. in drink 1598
       spec. Intoxicating alcoholic beverage. Hence in various phrases: Indulgence to excess in intoxicating liquor; habits of intemperance, drunkenness. in…
   24. disguised a1600–
       Intoxicated; drunk, tipsy. archaic slang.
   25. drink-drowned 1600–
       Intoxicated.
   26. dagged a1605–
       a. Wet with dew, drizzling rain, or a sprinkling of anything. b. slang. Drunk.
   27. pot-shotten 1604–
       Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. pot-shot, adj.
   28. tap-shackled 1604–09
       ‘Fettered’ by drink, drunk.
   29. high 1607–
       Excited by alcoholic drink, drunk, intoxicated. Also in extended use.
   30. bumpsy 1611–81
       Drunk, intoxicated.
   31. foxed 1611–
       Intoxicated, drunk, stupefied.
   32. in one's cups 1611
       plural. The drinking of intoxicating liquor; potations, drunken revelry. in one's cups: †(a) While drinking, during a drinking-bout (also †amidst, a…
   33. liquored 1611–
   34. love-pot 1611
       Drunken.
   35. pot-sick 1611–1872
       a. Drunk, intoxicated; b. (of a plant) pot-bound; cramped or starved of nutrient.
   36. whift 1611
       Drunk, intoxicated.
   37. owl-eyed 1613–
   38. fap a1616–1818
       Drunk, intoxicated.
   39. hot a1616–
       Excited (originally with reference to the attendant increase in bodily heat). slang. Drunk, tipsy.
   40. inebriated 1615–
       Intoxicated, drunken.
   41. reeling ripe a1616–
       In such a state of intoxication as to be likely to stagger or reel. Cf. reeling drunk at reeling, adv.
   42. in one's (or the) pots 1618–
       in one's (or the) pots: (while) drunk. Cf. in one's cups at cup, n. II.10.
   43. scratched 1622
       slang. Drunk. Obsolete.
   44. high-flown?1624–
       Exceedingly great or intense; brought to a high pitch, elevated; elated. Formerly also: †intoxicated, drunk; cf. high, adj. A.III.19a (obsolete).
   45. pot-shot 1627–1731
       Overpowered by drink; intoxicated, drunk.
   46. temulentive 1628
       Drunken.
   47. ebrious 1629–
       Immoderately fond of drinking alcohol; habitually drunk.
   48. temulent 1629–
       Drunken, intoxicated; given to, characterized by, or proceeding from drunkenness; intoxicating.
   49. jug-bitten 1630–
       Intoxicated.
   50. pot-shaken 1630–71
       Drunk, intoxicated.
   51. cut in the leg 1635–59
       slang. cut in the leg (also cut in the back): drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete.
   52. toxed 1635
   53. bene-bowsie a1637
       In thieves' cant: Good. bene bowse n. good drink. bene-bowsie adj.
   54. swilled 1637–
       Filled with liquor, inebriated, drunken.
   55. paid 1638
       slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete. rare.
   56. soaken 1651–
       Soaked, saturated; intoxicated.
   57. temulentious 1652
   58. flagonal 1653
       Of or pertaining to a flagon.
   59. fuddled 1656–
       Intoxicated; also, muddled.
   60. nazzy 1673–
       Intoxicated, slightly drunk.
   61. concerned 1678–
       euphemistic. Having had too much to drink; the worse for drink; drunk. Frequently in concerned with (also in) drink (also liquor). Now rare.
   62. whittled 1694
   63. cut 1699–
       slang. Chiefly British. Drunk, intoxicated. Now frequently in three parts cut. Cf. half-cut, adj.
   64. suckey 1699
       (See quot. 1699.)
   65. well-oiled 1701–
       colloquial. (Very) tipsy; drunk. Also: characterized by or involving heavy drinking; drunken. Cf. well-lubricated at lubricated, adj. additions b.
   66. tipped a1708–
       Inclined, tilted; overturned, upset; †drunken (obsolete slang).
   67. tow-row 1709
       Intoxicated (? ‘drunk and disorderly’). slang. Obsolete.
   68. wet 1709–
       colloquial. Primed with liquor; more or less intoxicated. (Cf. wet, v. I.7b.)
   69. swash 1711–
       Soft; also, fuddled.
   70. strut 1718
       So full as to be swollen or distended. Also Scottish, intoxicated, ‘fou’. Also in combination strut-bellied adj.
   71. cocked 1737–
       colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated.
   72. cockeyed 1737–
       Originally and chiefly North American. (Very) drunk; intoxicated. Cf. sense B
   73. jagged 1737–
       Drunk, intoxicated.
   74. moon-eyed 1737–
       slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Intoxicated with drink; drunk. Now rare.
   75. rocky 1737–
       Of a person. Tipsy, drunk. Now rare.
   76. soaked 1737–
       Intoxicated. Frequently as second element of a compound.
   77. soft 1737–1929
       regional. Drunk, inebriated. Obsolete.
   78. stewed 1737–
       slang (originally U.S.). Drunk. Also in stewed to the ears (eyebrows, gills, etc.). Cf. pickled, adj. 2.
   79. stiff 1737–
       Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. B.4c. U.S. slang. rare.
   80. muckibus 1756
       Drunkenly sentimental or maudlin.
   81. groggy 1770–
       Intoxicated. Also, characterized by drinking habits, bibulous.
   82. corned 1785–
       slang. Intoxicated.
   83. befuddled 1787–
       Originally: having lost the ability to think clearly or rationally due to consumption of alcohol; drunk. Later more generally: bewildered, confused…
   84. muzzed a1788–
       Confused or befuddled, esp. from alcohol.
   85. muzzy a1795–
       Affected by alcohol; dazed or fuddled from drinking.
   86. slewed 1801–
       Intoxicated.
   87. lumpy 1810–
       slang. Intoxicated, drunk.
   88. lushy 1811–
       Intoxicated, drunk. Also (U.S.) as n., a drunkard.
   89. pissed 1812–
       Chiefly British. Drunk, intoxicated. Also with up.
   90. blue 1813–
       figurative (probably from sense A.I.2). slang (originally U.S.). Of a person: intoxicated, drunk. Now rare.
   91. half-shaved 1813–52
       Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. half-cut, adj.
   92. in the wind 1813–
       slang. Originally Nautical. Drunk, intoxicated.
   93. lush 1819–
       (See quot. 1819.)
   94. malty 1819–47
       humorous. Fond of or affected by malt beer; tipsy. Obsolete.
   95. sprung 1821–
       slang. Drunk; intoxicated. Cf. well-sprung, adj. 1.
   96. obfuscated 1822–
       Of a person or his or her faculties: confused, bewildered; †amazed, flabbergasted (obsolete); (U.S. slang) spec. befuddled with alcohol, intoxicated…
   97. moppy 1823–
       slang, British regional, and Irish English. Drunk, tipsy. Cf. mop, n.⁴ 1c.
   98. ripe 1823–
       slang. Drunk. Cf. sense A.6c. Now rare.
   99. corny a1825–
       Intoxicated, tipsy; = corned, adj.¹ dialect.
   100. mixed 1825–93
        colloquial. Mentally confused, muddled; spec. (chiefly Scottish) somewhat befuddled with drink. Obsolete.
   101. toxified 1825–
        colloquial. Of a person: intoxicated; drunk. Now rare.
   102. queer 1826–
        Out of sorts; unwell; faint, giddy. Formerly also (slang): †sore, painful (obsolete); †drunk (obsolete).
   103. rosined 1828–
        English regional. Intoxicated, drunk.
   104. shot in the neck 1830–
        Transferred uses. slang. to shoot the cat: To vomit. shot in the neck (U.S.): drunk. to shoot one's grandmother (U.S.): see quot. 1855. to shoot the…
   105. tight 1830–
        Drunk; tipsy. Cf. screwed, adj. 5. slang.
   106. rummy 1834–
        Drunken, intoxicated; given to drinking.
   107. inebrious 1837–
        Inebriated, drunken; addicted to alcohol.
   108. mizzled 1840–
        Muddled, confused; intoxicated, drunk.
   109. obflisticated 1840
        = obfuscated, adj. 2.
   110. grogged 1842–
        Of persons: Overcome with grog; drunk.
   111. half-cut 1842–
        Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. cut, adj. 5b.
   112. pickled 1842–
        figurative and in extended use. spec. colloquial. Drunk; drunken.
   113. swizzled 1843–
        Drunk, ‘sozzled’; influenced or induced by heavy drinking.
   114. hit under the wing 1844–
        hit under the wing (slang): intoxicated.
   115. obfusticated c1844–
        = obfuscated, adj. 2; (frequently) spec. befuddled by alcohol.
   116. ebriate 1847–
        Intoxicated; figurative.
   117. pixilated 1848–
        Chiefly U.S. regional. Slightly crazed; bewildered, confused; fey, whimsical; (also) intoxicated.
   118. boozed 1850–
        Intoxicated, drunk, fuddled. Also with up. Also transferred.
   119. ploughed 1853–
        slang (now chiefly U.S.). Drunk.
   120. squiffy?1855–
        Intoxicated; drunk.
   121. buffy 1858–
        Intoxicated, ‘squiffy’.
   122. elephant trunk 1859–
        Drunk, also elliptical.
   123. moccasined 1859–72
        U.S. slang. Drunk. Obsolete.
   124. scammered 1859–
        Intoxicated, drunk.
   125. gassed 1863–
        slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
   126. parlatic 1863–
        Extremely intoxicated; (hence also) unable to think or act rationally or coherently. See paralytic, adj. A.2c.
   127. fly-blown 1864–
        slang. Intoxicated, drunk.
   128. rotten 1864–
        colloquial. slang (originally and chiefly Australian). Drunk. Frequently in to get rotten.
   129. shot 1864–
        Drunk. slang (chiefly U.S., Australian, and New Zealand). Cf. shoot, v. IV.32d.
   130. ebriose 1871–
        Drunk.
   131. shicker 1872–
        Drunk; intoxicated.
   132. miraculous 1879–
        Scottish and English regional (northern). Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, inebriated.
   133. under the influence 1879–
        under the influence: affected by alcoholic liquor; intoxicated, drunk.
   134. charged 1880–
        colloquial (originally U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated, under the influence of drugs. Now frequently with up.
   135. ginned 1881–
        Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently with up.
   136. shickered 1883–
        Drunk; intoxicated.
   137. boiled 1886–
        Intoxicated. slang. Also as drunk as a boiled owl.
   138. mosy 1887–
        regional (chiefly English regional (midlands)). Confused, bewildered; out of sorts; fuddled through drinking alcohol; foolish, stupid.
   139. to be loaded for bear(s) 1888–
        to be loaded for bear(s), to be well prepared for an anticipated confrontation, opponent, emergency, etc.; to be ready for anything; also (jocular…
   140. squiffed a1890–
        Intoxicated, drunk.
   141. loaded 1890–
        U.S. slang. Drunk.
   142. oversparred 1890
        slang. Unsteady, as through intoxication. Obsolete.
   143. sozzled 1892–
        Intoxicated, drunk; drunken.
   144. tanked 1893–
        slang. Filled with (alcoholic) drink; intoxicated; occasionally transferred, drugged. Frequently with up. Also in tanked to the wide (cf. wide, n.)…
   145. orey-eyed 1895–
        Quite drunk, intoxicated (used esp. with reference to a person's appearance). Also: bleary-eyed.
   146. up the (also a) pole 1897–
        Drunk. Now rare.
   147. woozy 1897–
        Dizzy or unsteady as when fuddled with drink; muzzy; ‘dotty’.
   148. inked 1898–
        slang (Australian and New Zealand). Intoxicated, drunk. Now dated.
   149. toxic 1899
        Brought on by drinking alcohol; intoxicated. Obsolete.
   150. polluted 1900–
        slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated, drunk; (also) under the influence of drugs.
   151. tin-hatted 1901–
        Nautical slang. = tin hats, adj. Cf. tin hat, n. A.2, tin hat, adj. Now rare.
   152. lit-up 1902–
        slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cf. lit, adj.¹ 3.
   153. on (also upon) one's ear 1903–
        slang. on (also upon) one's ear: drunk.
   154. pie-eyed 1903–
        Intoxicated with drink or drugs (originally with the implication of distorted vision).
   155. pifflicated 1905–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   156. piped 1906–
        U.S. slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of drugs. Chiefly in predicative use. Cf. as drunk as a piper at piper, n.¹ phrases P.2.
   157. spiflicated 1906–
        Intoxicated, drunk.
   158. jingled 1908–
        Intoxicated, fuddled.
   159. skimished 1908–
        Drunk.
   160. tin hat 1909–
        slang (chiefly Nautical). = tin hats, adj. Cf. sense A.2, tin-hatted, adj. 1. rare.
   161. canned 1910–
        slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
   162. tin hats 1910–
        Drunk. Only in predicative use. Cf. tin hat, adj., tin-hatted, adj. 1.
   163. pipped 1911–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   164. lit 1912–
        slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   165. peloothered 1914–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   166. molo 1916–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   167. shick 1916–
        = shicker, adj.
   168. zigzag 1916–
        Military slang (chiefly U.S.). Drunk. Now rare.
   169. blotto 1917–
        Fuddled with liquor, intoxicated.
   170. oiled-up 1918–
        slang. Drunk; tipsy; = oiled, adj. 2.
   171. stung 1919–
        Australian slang. Drunk. Cf. stunned, adj. 2.
   172. stunned 1919–
        Australian and New Zealand slang. Drunk. Cf. stung, adj. 2.
   173. bottled 1922–
        slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
   174. potted 1922–
        Originally and chiefly North American slang. Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, intoxicated.
   175. rotto 1922–
        Extremely drunk. Cf. rotten, adj. A.II.9b, blotto, adj.
   176. puggled 1923–
        Exhausted, in a state of collapse; (also) wildly drunk.
   177. puggle 1925–
        Military. Unable to think rationally or coherently; crazy. Cf. slightly earlier puggled, adj. Now rare.
   178. fried 1926–
        Drunk. slang.
   179. crocked 1927–
        Drunk; intoxicated.
   180. fluthered 1927–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   181. lubricated 1927–
        slang. Affected by drink; inebriated, drunk (frequently in well-lubricated). Cf. oiled, adj. 2.
   182. whiffled 1927–
        Intoxicated, drunk.
   183. liquefied 1928–
        jocular. Intoxicated by drink.
   184. steamed 1929–
        With up. Drunk, intoxicated. Rarely without up. slang.
   185. mirack c1930–
        = miraculous, adj. A.4.
   186. overshot 1931–
        slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. overshoot, v. I.3b.
   187. swacked 1932–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   188. looped 1934–
        Intoxicated, drunk. slang (chiefly U.S.).
   189. stocious 1937–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   190. whistled 1938–
        Drunk, (mildly) intoxicated. slang (originally Military).
   191. sauced 1939–
        slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated, drunk. Also (and earliest) in sauced up. Cf. sauce, n. II.6a.
   192. in the bag 1940–
        U.S. slang. Drunk; intoxicated. half in the bag: moderately drunk.
   193. mashed 1942–
        slang. Drunk. Later also: under the influence of drugs.
   194. plonked 1943–
        Intoxicated, drunk. Also with up.
   195. stone 1945–
        As adj., excited; intoxicated with drink or drugs, ‘stoned’. U.S. slang. rare.
   196. juiced 1946–
        Drunk. Also const. up. slang.
   197. buzzed 1952–
        slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated or ‘high’ on alcohol or drugs; excited, thrilled, stimulated. Cf. buzz, n.¹ 2b.
   198. jazzed 1955–
        In extended use. Frequently with up. North American colloquial. Of a person: excited, enthusiastic; (also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or…
   199. schnockered 1955–
        Drunk.
   200. bombed 1956–
        slang. Of a person: intoxicated by alcohol or drugs; drunk, inebriated; high; (occasionally also) exhausted. Chiefly in predicative use, esp. in to…
   201. honkers 1957–
        Drunk.
   202. skunked 1958–
        Drunk, intoxicated. In later use also: under the influence of marijuana (cf. skunk, n. 3). Chiefly in predicative use.
   203. bombed-out 1959–
        figurative. Of a person: intoxicated or incapacitated as a result of drinking alcohol or taking drugs; inebriated; drunk; high. Occasionally also…
   204. zonked 1959–
        Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; ‘stoned’. Frequently const. out. Also transferred and figurative.
   205. bevvied 1960–
        Drunk, intoxicated.
   206. mokus 1960–
        Drunk. Also: depressed.
   207. Mozart and Liszt 1961–
        Drunk, intoxicated; = Brahms and Liszt, adj.
   208. snockered 1961–
        Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. schnockered, adj.
   209. plotzed 1962–
        Intoxicated; drunk.
   210. over the limit 1966–
        over the limit: exceeding or having exceeded a stated bound or point, esp. a restriction on speed or the amount of alcohol in the blood when driving.
   211. wasted 1968–
        Intoxicated (from drink or drugs). Chiefly used outside the U.K.
   212. wired 1970–
        In extended use. Of a person. colloquial. Intoxicated or ‘high’ on drugs, esp. so as to become hyper or overstimulated. Hence: in a state of nervous…
   213. zoned 1971–
        slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Also with out. Of a person: intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; (in extended use) characteristic of a person in…
   214. blasted 1972–
        Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, intoxicated. Cf. blast, v. I.6(b) slang (chiefly U.S.).
   215. Brahms and Liszt 1972–
        Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. Mozart and Liszt, adj.
   216. funked up 1976–
        Of a person: excited, thrilled, esp. by music; (sometimes also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (sometimes perhaps as a euphemistic…
   217. trousered 1977–
        slang (chiefly British and Irish English). Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in to get trousered.
   218. motherless 1980–
        South African slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
   219. tired and emotional 1981–
        tired and emotional: jocular euphemism for ‘drunk’.
   220. ratted 1982–
        British slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Chiefly in to get ratted. Cf. rat-arsed, adj.
   221. rat-arsed 1984–
        Drunk, intoxicated; = ratted, adj.³
   222. wazzed 1990–
        Drunk; = pissed, adj. 2.
   223. mullered 1993–
        Drunk, extremely intoxicated.
   224. twatted 1993–
        Drunk; intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
   225. bollocksed 1994–
        Drunk; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
   226. lashed 1996–
        British slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. on the lash at lash, n.¹ additions.
   227. barley-sick
        Intoxicated.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 2.
   1972–
   Exhausted, tired out.
   1. 1972

      > This portrait of his wife..zonked out on a floating sofa.

      Maclean's October 40/1
   2. 1976

      > You just collapsed and..pulled the covers up around your head... You were completely zonked.

      J. Farris, Fury i. 10
   3. 1978

      > Patricia Wells, three hours after providing the high point of 2,300 people's evenings, was ‘zonked’ and went back to her hotel to bed.

      Washington Post 19 March (Magazine section) 42/2
   4. 1980

      > ‘Fairly zonked’ by his non-stop 17 weeks of filming, he is recharging himself for the next stage.

      Daily Telegraph 28 July 8/6
   colloquial and slang
   1. weary Old English–
      Having the feeling of loss of strength, languor, and need for rest, produced by continued exertion (physical or mental), endurance of severe pain…
   2. asad c1306–20
      Satisfied, sated; hence, tired.
   3. ateynt c1325–
      Exhausted, overpowered.
   4. attaint c1325–1634
      Overcome with heat, weariness, or fatigue; overpowered, exhausted.
   5. recrayed 1340–1500
      Physically or spiritually weary or weak; slothful, lazy.
   6. metheful a1350
      Respectful, humane; moderate, temperate; gentle.
   7. for-weary a1375–
   8. mate a1375–1540
      Exhausted, worn out; weak, faint.
   9. taint c1380
      Exhausted.
   10. heavy 1382–
       ‘Weighed down’ by sleep, weariness, or some physical depression or incapacity; hence, esp. weary from sleep, sleepy, drowsy.
   11. fortired a1400–
       Excessively wearied.
   12. metheful a1400
       Weary, tired.
   13. afoundered?a1425–75
       Exhausted; lame; (also) numb.
   14. tewed c1440–
   15. travailed c1440–
       Wearied in body or mind as a result of hard work; afflicted by pain or suffering; troubled; harassed.
   16. wearisome c1460–1658
       Weary; showing signs of weariness. Obsolete.
   17. fatigate 1471–1616
       Fatigued.
   18. defatigate c1487–1698
       Fatigued, exhausted, wearied. Chiefly as past participle. Cf. fatigate, adj.
   19. tired 1488–
       Weakened or exhausted by exertion, etc.; fatigued, wearied; also, sick or weary of, impatient with… In the predicate. Also in slang phrase to make…
   20. dead 1490–
       In hyperbolic use: extremely tired or debilitated; exhausted; physically or mentally overwhelmed. Also in figurative contexts. Cf. dead on one's feet…
   21. recreant 1490
       Designating a person who admits to having been defeated or overcome; that yields or surrenders; in a… Tired, exhausted. Obsolete. rare.
   22. yolden?1507–1836
       Chiefly Scottish. Failed in strength; exhausted.
   23. fulyeit?a1513–79
       Exhausted, worn out.
   24. traiked?a1513–
       a. Wasted; worn out; b. of sheep or cattle: that has died a natural death; cf. braxy, n. & adj.
   25. wearied 1538–
       (Excessively) fatigued; tired out. Also with out. Of a look, sigh: Expressive of or indicating weariness.
   26. fatigated 1552–1632
   27. aweary a1555–
       Tired, weary.
   28. overtired 1567–
       Excessively tired; worn out.
   29. spent a1568–
       Of persons or animals: = sense I.3.
   30. done 1575–
       Tired, exhausted; beaten, defeated; worn out, used up; incapacitated.
   31. awearied 1577–
       Tired, weary. Cf. aweary, adj.
   32. stank 1579–98
       Weary, faint, exhausted.
   33. languishing a1586–
       Suffering from or exhibiting weariness or ennui; (of movement) slow or languid. Also: uninteresting. Now somewhat rare.
   34. bankrupt?1589–
       figurative. Drained of mental, emotional, or physical resources; depleted, exhausted, empty.
   35. fordone 1590–
       Exhausted, overcome, tired out. (See fordo, v. 7.)
   36. spent 1591–
       Of persons or animals: Deprived of force or strength; tired or worn out by labour, exertion, hardship, etc.; completely exhausted.
   37. overwearied 1592–
       Excessively wearied; tired out.
   38. overworn 1592–
       Esp. of a person: worn out or exhausted by age, work, etc.
   39. beaten 1593–
       Exhausted, fatigued, esp. from overwork. Later also: extremely dispirited, utterly dejected. Cf. beat, adj.¹ 2.
   40. outworn 1597–
       Of a living being, faculty, etc.: exhausted as to physical vigour or vitality; spent. Cf. worn-out, adj. 2. Chiefly poetic.
   41. tavert a1600–
       Fatigued or exhausted with wandering, or with toil or struggle; incoherent, confused, stupefied, stupid.
   42. half-dead 1601
       That is in a state in which death seems as likely as recovery; showing some of the signs of death; barely alive. Also hyperbolically: extremely…
   43. tiry 1611–97
       Tired, weary.
   44. defatigated 1612–
       Weary, fatigued, exhausted.
   45. dog-weary a1616–
       = dog-tired, adj.
   46. overweary 1617–
       Excessively weary; tired out; overcome with weariness.
   47. exhaust 1621–1708
       = exhausted, adj. in various senses.
   48. harassed 1633–1823
       Physically exhausted; fatigued, tired out. Obsolete.
   49. worn-out 1639–
       Of persons, living things, etc.: Utterly exhausted and wasted in strength or vitality.
   50. embossed 1651–58
       Of a hunted animal: Driven to extremity; foaming at the mouth from exhaustion. Also transferred of persons.
   51. outspent 1652–
       Completely spent; exhausted.
   52. exhausted 1667–
       Of persons or living things: Having one's strength, energy, etc. used up; tired out.
   53. bejaded 1687–94
   54. jaded 1693–
       Worn out or exhausted; fatigued; fagged out.
   55. lassate 1694
       Tired, wearied.
   56. defeat a1732–
       Extremely tired, exhausted; worn out. Now chiefly literary.
   57. beat out 1758–
       Tired out, exhausted.
   58. fagged 1764–
       Extremely tired; worn out.
   59. dog-tired 1770–
       As tired as a dog after a long chase; worn out; utterly exhausted. Also: weary of something. Cf. dead tired at dead, adv. C.1a.
   60. fessive 1773
       Wearied, fatigued.
   61. done-up 1784–
       Disabled; worn out, tired out; ruined, defeated. Cf. to do up 4 at do, v. phrasal verbs 4.
   62. forjeskit 1786–
       Jaded, tired out.
   63. ramfeezled 1786–
       Worn out, exhausted; confused, muddled.
   64. done-over 1789–1867
       Worn out, exhausted; beaten, defeated. Cf. to do over 4 at do, v. phrasal verbs 4. Obsolete.
   65. fatigued 1791–
       (a) Wearied. (b) Strained by over-pressure.
   66. forfoughten 1794–
       transferred. Wearied, over-fatigued.
   67. dead-beaten 1807–
       Exhausted; excessively tired or fatigued.
   68. beat 1811–
       colloquial. In predicative use. Tired out, completely exhausted, utterly fatigued. Cf. beaten, adj. 6.
   69. deadbeat 1811–
       colloquial. Chiefly in form dead beat. Exhausted; excessively tired or fatigued.
   70. worn-up 1812
       With adverb. (See also worn-out, adj.) worn-up (wear, v.¹ II.10b) = worn-out, adj. 2.
   71. out-burnt a1821–
       Burnt out, exhausted.
   72. prostrate 1820–
       figurative and in figurative contexts. In a state of physical exhaustion or complete weakness; unable to rise or exert oneself; debilitated. Now…
   73. told out 1822–
       colloquial. told out: utterly exhausted; no longer capable of taking part in a race or other contest. Cf. to tell out 3 at tell, v. phrasal verbs…
   74. bone-tired a1825–
       Tired to the very bones; extremely tired, utterly exhausted; cf. bone, n.¹ compounds C.5.
   75. traiky 1825–
       Weak, worn out, fatigued.
   76. dragged out 1833–
       U.S. (regional or colloquial). Physically exhausted. Chiefly in predicative use.
   77. overfatigued 1834–
       Excessively fatigued; overtired.
   78. outwearied 1837–
       Tired out; exhausted.
   79. done like (a) dinner 1838–
       Completely exhausted; spent. Chiefly with reference to horses.
   80. magged 1839–
       colloquial and regional. Tired out, exhausted, jaded.
   81. used up 1839–
       slang or colloquial. Thoroughly exhausted by physical exertion or hardship; tired out, fatigued.
   82. tuckered out c1840–
       transitive. To tire, to weary; usually tucker out; esp. in past participle tuckered out, worn out, exhausted.
   83. hattered 1854–
       Exhausted; harassed; badly treated.
   84. drained 1855–
   85. floored 1857–
       Brought to the ground, overthrown; also figurative overpowered, done for.
   86. beat-up 1861–
       Of a person: tired out, exhausted. Also: (visibly) injured or assaulted.
   87. weariful 1862–
       Full of weariness; utterly fatigued. Of a person: Languid or affecting languor. Of a look, sigh, smile: Exhibiting or expressing weariness.
   88. wappered 1868–
       Fatigued, wearied.
   89. bushed 1870–
       Tired, exhausted. North American.
   90. bezzled 1875
       ? Wasted, spent, worn out, exhausted; muddled (with drinking).
   91. down 1885–
       Having a lower score than one's opponent in a game, match, or competition; behind, losing. Frequently following a score, or specified number of…
   92. tucked up 1891–
       tucked up (of a dog or horse): having the flanks drawn in from hunger, malnutrition, or fatigue; hence, tired out, exhausted. Cf. tucker, v.¹, tuc…
   93. ready (or fit) to drop 1892–
       Also in colloquial phrase ready (or fit) to drop: tired out, physically exhausted.
   94. buggered-up 1893–
       Ruined, broken, damaged; (of a person) extremely tired, exhausted; confused.
   95. ground-down 1897–
       With adverbs, as ground-down (also figurative, exhausted), ground-up.
   96. played 1897–
       colloquial (originally U.S.). In predicative use: = played-out adj. at sense 2a.
   97. veal-bled 1899–
       Bled to exhaustion, like a calf intended for veal.
   98. dragged 1900–
       colloquial. Physically exhausted; (very) tired. Chiefly in predicative use. Cf. dragged out, adj. 1.
   99. stove-up 1901–
       Run-down, exhausted; worn out; chiefly predicative of persons. North American slang.
   100. trachled 1910–
   101. ragged 1912–
        figurative. In a tired mood or condition; worn out, run down. Esp. in to run (a person) ragged (originally U.S.): to exhaust or debilitate (a…
   102. dead-o 1914–
        Deeply asleep. In later use also: extremely tired; exhausted. Cf. dead, adj. A.II.11c.
   103. done in 1917–
        Extremely tired, exhausted.
   104. stonkered 1918–
        Originally Military. Extremely tired, exhausted.
   105. whacked 1919–
        Tired out, exhausted.
   106. washy 1922–
        Of a person: Lacking strength or stamina; weak, feeble, insipid; exhausted, washed-out; poor, mean, worthless. Now rare or Obsolete.
   107. pooped 1928–
        Exhausted; worn out. Also pooped-out adj.
   108. shattered 1930–
        colloquial. Extremely distressed or exhausted; upset, overcome.
   109. punchy 1932–
        slang (chiefly U.S.). Punch-drunk. Also in extended use: in a state of nervous tension or extreme fatigue. Also as n.: a punch-drunk person (rare).
   110. shagged 1932–
        Weary, exhausted. Also with out.
   111. shot 1939–
        Of people: exhausted. slang (chiefly U.S.).
   112. whipped 1940–
        North American slang. Exhausted, tired out. Also const. up.
   113. buggered 1942–
        Ruined, spoiled; damaged; (of a person) extremely tired, exhausted.
   114. flaked (out) 1942–
        to flake (out): to faint, fall asleep (from exhaustion, drunkenness, etc.). So flaked (out) participial adjective, exhausted; unconscious, asleep…
   115. fucked 1949–
        coarse slang. Chiefly British. Exhausted; worn out.
   116. wiped 1958–
        predicative. Chiefly with out. slang (originally U.S.). Reduced to a state of physical incapacity; exhausted, tired out.
   117. burnt out 1959–
        burnt out. Of a leper: cured (see quot. 1959), esp. in burnt-out case. Also figurative (frequently with influence of sense 2a(a)).
   118. wrung out 1962–
        wrung out: completely exhausted.
   119. juiced 1965–
        Of a fruit, vegetable, etc.: that has had the juice extracted. Also figurative.
   120. hanging 1971–
        colloquial. Hung-over; (also) exhausted, ill. Chiefly in predicative use.
   121. zonked 1972–
        Exhausted, tired out.
   122. maxed 1978–
        Of a person, thing, or its performance: stretched or challenged to the maximum degree; exerted or extended to the limit of capacity. Usually with out.
   123. raddled 1978–
        Of a person, a face, etc.: showing signs of ageing, overindulgence, hard living, or disease; worn, worn out; wrinkled.
   124. zoned 1980–
        slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Also with out. Of a person: exhausted, burnt out; unresponsive, detached. Cf. zonked, adj. 2.
   125. fried 1981–
        colloquial (originally U.S.). In predicative use: (of a person) very tired, exhausted from mental or physical effort; showing the effects of…
   126. cream crackered 1983–
        ‘Knackered’; extremely tired, exhausted; worn out.
   127. stuffed 1985–
        Australian and New Zealand colloquial. In predicative use (of a person): tired, worn out; incapacitated by exhaustion.
   128. back-broken
        instrumental and locative, with participles and adjectives, forming adjectives, as back-broken, back-aching, back-breaking.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/zɒŋkt/
zonkt

####

##### 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 /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### 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

## Frequency

zonked typically occurs fewer than 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.

zonked is in frequency band 2, which contains words occurring between 0.001 and 0.01 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zonked, adj., 1950–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1950 | 0.0046
1960 | 0.0056
1970 | 0.0064
1980 | 0.0069
1990 | 0.008
2000 | 0.0093
2010 | 0.01

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. zonky, adj. 1972–
   Odd, weird, ‘freaky’. Hence as n., a person in…

zonked, adj. was first published in 1986; not fully revised.

zonked, adj. was last modified in December 2024.