What does bunk mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbʌŋk/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A noun that refers to a bed or a sleeping place, especially in a ship, train, or other vehicle. It can also refer to a false or absurd statement.

Examples

The bunk in the cabin was narrow and uncomfortable.
He claimed that the story was bunk and refused to believe it.

Synonyms

Bed
Cot
Nonsense

Antonyms

Truth
Fact

Additional Information

The term “bunk” has been in use since the mid-19th century, and its origins are unclear. However, it is believed to have originated from the nautical term “bunk,” which referred to a bed or a sleeping place on a ship. Over time, the term has evolved to include its secondary meaning of a false or absurd statement.

In modern usage, the term “bunk” is often used in informal contexts to refer to a bed or a sleeping place. For example, “I’m going to go bunk down for the night” means to go to bed. In other contexts, the term is used to express skepticism or disbelief, as in “That’s a bunch of bunk!”

The term “bunk” is also used in idiomatic expressions, such as “bunk down” (to go to bed) and “bunk off” (to leave or depart). In American English, the term is often used in the phrase “do you speak bunk?” which means “do you speak nonsense?”

Etimology

The term “bunk” is believed to have originated from the nautical term “bunk,” which referred to a bed or a sleeping place on a ship. The etymology of the term is unclear, but it is thought to have evolved from the Dutch word “bonk,” which means “bench” or “platform.”

Usage Notes

The term “bunk” is often used in informal contexts to refer to a bed or a sleeping place. It is also used to express skepticism or disbelief. In American English, the term is often used in the phrase “do you speak bunk?” which means “do you speak nonsense?”

Cultural References

The term “bunk” has appeared in numerous cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, the main character Holden Caulfield refers to the idea that the concept of “phony” is “a bunch of bunk.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

The term “bunk” is used in several idiomatic expressions, including “bunk down” (to go to bed), “bunk off” (to leave or depart), and “do you speak bunk?” (do you speak nonsense?).

Related Words or Phrases

Related words or phrases to “bunk” include “bed,” “cot,” “nonsense,” and “phony.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the term “bunk” include “bunk bed,” “bunk down,” and “bunk off.”

Frequency of Use

The term “bunk” is moderately common in modern language, and is often used in informal contexts.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the term “bunk” include “bunck” and “bunkk.”