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noun

clanker

Clanker (noun) means something that makes a clanking noise.

noun
1
Something that makes a clanking noise.
2
A robot or artificial intelligence.
3
A person who uses automated technology or generative AI.
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Etymology

From clank + -er, onomatopoeic. The sense meaning "robot" appears in science fiction at least as early as 1958. Its broader popular use increased on social media beginning around 2024, due to the AI boom. In this wave of usage, it was especially influenced by the word's appearance in the Star Wars franchise, particularly the 2005 video game Star Wars: Republic Commando. In Star Wars, the term was used towards B1-series battle droids, which were humanoid robots that were manufactured for the sole purpose of fighting in armed conflicts. Their nickname of "clanker" stems from the fact that they would frequently make clanking noises any time they moved around due to being cheaply mass-produced.

Rhymes for clanker

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of clanker?

"clanker" (noun) means something that makes a clanking noise.

What are the different meanings of clanker?

"clanker" has 3 main meanings: 1. Something that makes a clanking noise; 2. A robot or artificial intelligence; 3. A person who uses automated technology or generative AI.

Definitions from wiktionary, CC BY-SA · etymology from Wiktionary