knarka

Swedish

Etymology

The original form of the verb is attested in writing from 1587 but has roots further back in Old Swedish.[1] The modern meaning "to use narcotics" is attested since 1959.[2] The original meaning has fallen out of use in modern times and the verb is now almost solely used in the context of using narcotics.

Pronunciation

(Swedish) IPA^(key): /ˈknarˌka/

Verb

knarka (present knarkar, preterite knarkade, supine knarkat, imperative knarka)

(colloquial) To use narcotics or (illicit) drugs.
- 1987, Dagens Nyheter, May 21.
  Det är inte förbjudet att knarka, men det är förbjudet att stjäla, langa och gör inbrott, och ju längre tid som går innan man ingriper, desto strängare blir straffet.
  It's not illegal to use narcotics, but it's illegal to engage in stealing, fencing and burglary, and the the longer you wait before intervening, the harsher the punishment will be.
(colloquial) To use or consume something intensely or excessively; to binge on.
- 2012, Ålandstidningen, September 1.
  Vad finns bättre att göra nu när höstrusket kommer än att lägga sig under en filt i soffan och knarka tv-serier? .
  With the approach of chilly autumn weather, is there anything better than lying under a blanket on the couch, binging on TV series?
(archaic) To make a creaking sound.
- 1587, E.P. Helsingius, Synonymorum libellus.
  Smör wagnen, så knarckar hon inthet.
  Grease the cart so it won't creak.
- 1895, Erik Axel Karlfeldt, Vildmarks- och kärleksvisor.
  En knarkande gungstol.
  A creaking rocking chair.

Conjugation

Conjugation of knarka (weak)

	Active	Passive
Infinitive	knarka	knarkas
Present tense	knarkar	knarkas
Past tense	knarkade	knarkades
Supine	knarkat	knarkats
Imperative	knarka	—
Present participle	knarkande
Past participle	knarkad

References

Svenska Akademiens ordbok, column K1571
Nationalakademiens ordbok, "knarka".

[1] Svenska Akademiens ordbok, column K1571

[2] Nationalakademiens ordbok, "knarka".