What does 'knackered' mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

**What it means:** Completely exhausted — more intense than just "tired." If you're knackered, you're thoroughly worn out.

"I'm absolutely knackered after that meeting."
"She was knackered by the time she got home."

**How strong is it?** Stronger than "tired", about the same as "exhausted." The intensity can be increased: "absolutely knackered" or "completely knackered."

**Where it comes from:** A "knacker" was someone who slaughtered old or worn-out horses — animals too exhausted to work. Being "knackered" meant being worn out beyond use, like those horses. The word migrated from slaughterhouse to everyday exhaustion.

**Is it rude?** Not especially. It's informal but not offensive in any meaningful way. You'd use it freely with colleagues and friends.

**Register:** Informal British English. Not used in formal writing.

**Tags:** British English, tired, informal, everyday English