crock
UK: krɒk | US: krɑːk
n. 1. an earthenware pot or jar
n. 2. (informal) something considered worthless or nonsensical
n. 3. (slang) an old or worn-out person or thing
The word crock traces back to Old English croc, meaning "pot" or "vessel," likely derived from Proto-Germanic krukkaz. Its meaning expanded metaphorically over time to describe anything old, broken, or useless (e.g., "that car is a crock"). The core idea of a "container" persists in its original sense, while the derogatory slang meanings emerged from associations with fragility or obsolescence.
She stored the pickles in a large clay crock.
His excuse was a complete crock—no one believed him.
The antique shop sold a 19th-century crock for $50.
Don’t listen to him; he’s full of crock.
My knees feel like an old crock after hiking.