General
merk
What does merk mean?
To beat, batter or thoroughly defeat someone. Standard roadman vocabulary for losing a fight, a rap battle, or a FIFA match — anywhere one party gets dismantled.
"Did you see that clip? He got merked in the first round, bruv."
Origin
From the military/American slang 'merc' (short for mercenary, meaning to kill for hire), adopted into UK road slang in the 2000s and respelled 'merk' by the grime/drill generation.
Frequently asked questions
Is 'merk' the same as 'merc'?
Same word, different spelling. 'Merk' is the UK road-slang form; 'merc' is closer to the American military origin.
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