- British informal slang meaning extremely tired, exhausted, or worn out.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the term knacker's yard, which was the place where old, worn-out horses were sent to be slaughtered.
- Therefore, to be knackered is to be as exhausted as an old horse ready for the knacker's yard.
- In use since the late 19th or early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Shattered (UK/Aus)
- Bushed (US/Aus)
- Wrecked (Ireland/UK)
- Ready to drop
- Running on empty
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking knackered / Fucking exhausted
- Dead on my feet
Milder/More Formal:
- Extremely tired.
- Fatigued.
- Worn out.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Very common in everyday British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English.
- Use among friends, family, and colleagues in casual settings.
- Avoid in formal situations or professional writing where exhausted or fatigued would be more appropriate.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Primarily a risk of non-comprehension in North America. It doesn't directly sound like tired.
- Ensure non-native speakers understand it means *very* tired, not just slightly weary.
Examples
- I worked a 12-hour shift; I'm absolutely knackered.
- The kids ran around all day, they were completely knackered by bedtime.
- That climb up the hill really knackered me out. (Used as a verb)
Dialogue
Mark: Hi Lisa, how was your weekend? You look tired.
Lisa: Ugh, don't ask. We were moving house. I spent two days lifting heavy boxes. I am absolutely knackered.
Mark: Oh wow, moving is the worst! No wonder you're knackered. You need to take it easy tonight.
Lisa: Definitely planning on it! Straight to the sofa.
Social Media Examples
- UK Tweet: Just got back from a 10-mile hike. Legs are like jelly and I'm completely knackered! Worth it though. #Hiking #Tired #Knackered
- Aus Facebook Post: Anyone else feel absolutely knackered after the first week back at work post-holidays? 😴
- Instagram Story (UK): Selfie looking tired, caption: Knackered doesn't even cover it. Need coffee. Stat. ☕️
Response Patterns
- Sympathy: Oh, you poor thing! / I bet you are. / Get some rest!
- Shared Feeling: Tell me about it, I'm knackered too.
- Offering Help/Rest: Go sit down, put your feet up. / Why don't you have an early night?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After hearing it: Expressing sympathy, asking why they are so tired (What have you been up to?), suggesting rest.
- After saying it: Sitting down, sighing, perhaps declining activities due to fatigue, heading off to rest.
Conversation Starter
- Can be. Phew, what a day! I'm absolutely knackered. is a common way to start venting about a tiring experience.
Intonation
- Often spoken with a sigh or a tone of weariness.
- Emphasis usually on the first syllable: KNACK-ered.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across generations in relevant regions.
Regional Variations
- Core slang in UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.
- Not commonly used in North America, though might be understood by some due to media exposure. Americans would typically use exhausted, beat, wiped out, or pooped.