plonker dial. and slang.
(ˈplɒŋkə(r))
[f. plonk v.]
1. a. Something large or substantial of its kind. dial.
| 1861 C. C. Robinson Dial. Leeds 386 ‘A plonker’ is an article having extraordinary substance. A piece of woven material unusually thick is ‘a plonker’. 1885 Pudsey Almanack & Hist. Reg. Mar., Sitha Bill at that young woman's improver, isn't it a plonker? 1898 B. Kirkby Lakeland Words 114 Noo that's a plonker. 1903 Eng. Dial. Dict. IV. 550/1 That turnip's a plonker. |
b. A shell. Austral.
| 1941 Baker Dict. Austral. Slang 55 Plonker, a shell. Diggers' slang. 1961 Partridge Dict. Slang Suppl. 1226/1 Plonker, a (cannon) shell: Australian soldiers': 1939 +. |
2. (See quot. 1970). slang.
| 1966 J. Gaskell All Neat in Black Stockings 72 If she'd been my daughter in fact I'd never have let her go out with an obvious plonker like myself. 1970 Sunday Truth (Brisbane) 13 Sept. 36/2 Do you know what a plonker is?—It's a chap who shares his ladyfriends with his mate. |
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Add: [2.] For def. read: A foolish or inept person. (Later examples.)
| 1982 N.Y. Times 12 Feb. 2d/1 ‘If you want to influence the general liquidity situation..,’ the economic plonker begins, pretending to expect a reply. 1987 Match Fishing Feb./Mar. 52/1 To say that I was a plonker at the game was an understatement, but I wanted to learn. 1988 Smash Hits 19 Oct. 9/3, I look at a dress and think because it's fashionable it'll look good and then I go out with it on and realise what a plonker I look. |