In a recent conversation, the term “plonk” came up. And there was the question “What is Plonk?”

Word has it that plonk came from Australian soldiers during World War I, who borrowed the term from a playful mispronunciation of the French vin blanc (meaning “white wine”). But, over time, the meaning has broadened to refer not just to white wine but any inexpensive or cheap wine.

Others have noted that the word “Plonk” sounds like something being dropped or plunked down, which may have reinforced the association with something low-grade.

“Plonk” is most commonly used in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, but you’ll also certainly hear it in the U.S. too.

It doesn’t always imply terrible wine—just cheap or unrefined.

Some keys to identifying “Plonk” include:

Extremely generic labels: “Red Blend,” “White Wine,” “Winemaker’s Selection” with no detail
No listed vintage
Vague wine region listing such as “European Union” instead of a specific country/area
Ultra-low prices
Heavy oak flavoring from chips or staves
High residual sugar to otherwise hide any flaws

So, now you know. If someone refers to a wine as being real “Plonk” they are using slang to say the wine is not good.

Here’s to drinking good wine! Cheers!