How to pronounce bonkers
Say it like BONG-kerz. Bonkers has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BONG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bonkers. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BONG
- kerz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bonkers pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BONGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kerzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of bonkers
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BONG-kuz.
What does bonkers mean?
Where does bonkers come from?
Unknown. Perhaps from bonk (a blow or punch on the head, compare whacky); perhaps related to earlier bonce.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying bonkers
How do you pronounce bonkers?
Say BONG-kerz. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑŋkɚz/. In British English it is /ˈbɒŋkəz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bonkers?
Bonkers has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BONG). Broken into parts: BONG · kerz.
Is bonkers pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbɒŋkəz/ (BONG-kuz).