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Original poster

Do you class knackered as swearing?

264 replies

DisappointedD · 14/01/2026 19:36

I have always thought of it as a mild swear word. A word I wouldn’t want my younger children using but wouldn’t be too bothered by a teen (but not to their grandparents) type word.

There is a current radio ad using the word which made me think about it earlier. I was surprised when I heard it and didn’t think it was a word I’d heard used in ad’s before.

OP posts:
oilead · 14/01/2026 19:39

It used to mean a specific type of being tired. As in, after sex tired.

Nincompoo · 14/01/2026 19:39

Of course it’s not a swear word!

DappledThings · 14/01/2026 19:39

Thingamebobwotsit · 14/01/2026 19:37

Where I am from (North East) it isn't a swear word and often used to describe someone as looking tired (ie you are concerned about how tired someone is) but I live further South now and it is definitely seen as an insult if not a swear word per se.

Learned this the hard way 🫣

I grew up in Kent and Midlands and lived in London and Kent for 25 years since. It's not even vaguely a swear word. It's slang but it's not swearing.

shellyleppard · 14/01/2026 19:39

I always thought it meant really tired/ broken. Not a swear word. But what about bugger?? Do others class this as a swear word

Original poster
DisappointedD · 14/01/2026 19:39

Gingerdeer · 14/01/2026 19:36

What?!? Doesn’t it just mean tired? I’m so confused and think I’m missing something

Yes tired, but IMO not a particularly pleasant way of saying it. I do say it, but wouldn’t want my 5 year old saying it.

OP posts:
whatsallthis · 14/01/2026 19:39

I hope not, I tell my dad I’m knackered every time he texts

Squirrelchops1 · 14/01/2026 19:38

Gingerdeer · 14/01/2026 19:36

What?!? Doesn’t it just mean tired? I’m so confused and think I’m missing something

Google it

WhatNoRaisins · 14/01/2026 19:38

I don't remember anyone getting ticked off for that word growing up and that's pretty much my barometer.

Thingamebobwotsit · 14/01/2026 19:37

Where I am from (North East) it isn't a swear word and often used to describe someone as looking tired (ie you are concerned about how tired someone is) but I live further South now and it is definitely seen as an insult if not a swear word per se.

Learned this the hard way 🫣

Legoninjago1 · 14/01/2026 19:37

Yes I was always told it was too!

BashfulClam · 14/01/2026 19:37

It means tired or broken, swear word? 😂

Squirrelchops1 · 14/01/2026 19:37

When I was younger I recollect getting a telling off for saying it, but now it's acceptable.

Sesame2011 · 14/01/2026 19:37

Its not a swear word imo

Gingerdeer · 14/01/2026 19:36

What?!? Doesn’t it just mean tired? I’m so confused and think I’m missing something

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