bonking

Definition

The sudden, catastrophic depletion of glycogen stores during endurance exercise, causing extreme fatigue and mental fog. The metabolic equivalent of your car not sputtering but just stopping.

Example Usage

I bonked so hard at mile 18 that I briefly forgot my own name and why I thought running was a good idea.

Origin

Cycling slang from the 1950s-60s; etymology unclear but possibly imitative of hitting a wall

Fun Fact

When you bonk, your blood sugar can drop so low that your brain literally doesn't have enough fuel to function properly, leading to poor decisions like sitting down mid-race.

Source: Endurance sports and cycling terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

LeBrongoloid

A hopelessly devoted LeBron James fanatic who treats every word from King James as gospel, regardless of logic or evidence. These fans possess an Olympic-level ability to justify any on-court performance, even when LeBron shoots like he's wearing oven mitts. Facts and statistics bounce off them like basketballs off a backboard.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

suicide grip

A bench press grip variation where the thumbs remain on the same side as the fingers rather than wrapping around the bar. Named with complete honesty about the potential consequences of this questionable decision.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Advanced

rest-pause

An intensity technique where you perform reps to failure, rest briefly (10-15 seconds), then squeeze out more reps with the same weight. Torture disguised as a training method.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

rep range

The target number of repetitions prescribed for a set, theoretically corresponding to specific adaptations. 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 15+ for endurance - or so the legend goes.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

smelling salts

Ammonia inhalants used to trigger an inhalation reflex and adrenaline spike before heavy lifts. Because apparently screaming and slapping yourself isn't enough sensory assault for a max deadlift.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

negative reps

The controlled lowering phase of an exercise, typically performed with heavier weight than you can lift concentrically. It's the part of the rep where gravity becomes your training partner and your muscles scream about the betrayal.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Translate This Term

See “bonking” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

Protect your energy above all else

Protecting your energy means being cautious who, where, and what you put your time into. Protecting your energy involves...