Definition of plonker

The origin of the word "plonker" is unclear, and there are several theories regarding its origin. Some sources suggest that it's derived from the French word "plongeur," which means "diver" or "waiter who serves wine by the glass." However, others consider this theory dubious since the word "plonger" (with an "e" at the end) is not used commonly in French. An alternative theory suggests that "plonker" is a Middle English word, derived from the Old French word "plongeor" or "plognier," meaning "butcher" or "slaughterer." It's believed that the word was adopted by the British working class and transformed over time to mean a clumsy, incompetent, or foolish person. Another theory proposes that "plonker" is linked to the phrase "plonk wine," which is a low-quality, cheap wine. The term "plonk" originated in South Africa and was used in reference to wine that wasn't very good. Plonkers, subsequently, came to mean people who exemplified the same low-quality aspects as the poor-quality wine they drank. While the true origin of "plonker" remains a topic of ongoing debate and speculation, it's widely accepted that the term has entered the British lexicon as a pejorative term to describe someone who is clumsy, incompetent, or foolish. Its use is prevalent in informal, colloquial speech and is mainly limited to British English speakers.