ContextWord · Ages 10-25 · In use
clanker
A mocking name for robots, chatbots and other machines that act human.
The self-checkout told me to wait for help again. Clanker.
For parents and educators
Aimed at machines, not people. Some comedy sketches use it to stand in for real slurs, which is worth talking about if you see that.
Where it came from
Comes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where soldiers used it for battle droids. Went viral in 2025.