1. Onomatopoeia: The most common belief is that "plonk" is an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the sound of a bottle of wine being placed on a table. This theory seems plausible considering the word's meaning and how it's used to describe cheap or ordinary wine.
2. French Origin: Another theory suggests it comes from the French word "plonque," which means "to dunk" or "to plunge." This connection could stem from the act of plunging a glass into a bottle of wine. However, this etymology lacks concrete evidence.
3. Military Slang: Some believe the term originated in military slang during World War I. Soldiers stationed in France would refer to cheap, local wines as "plonk" because they were readily available and often consumed in large quantities.
4. Australian Origin: There's also a claim that "plonk" originated in Australia, possibly linked to the slang term "plonk yourself down," which means "to sit down." This theory is less likely given the word's earlier usage in the UK and its widespread adoption in other English-speaking countries.
5. Unsure Origin: Ultimately, the true origin of "plonk" remains unclear and possibly lost to time. It's likely a combination of factors, including onomatopoeia, slang, and perhaps even a touch of French influence, that led to the word's widespread adoption.
Regardless of its origin, "plonk" has become a commonly used and somewhat humorous term for inexpensive or ordinary wine, particularly in the UK and Australia.