Bunky
/ˈbʌŋki/noun
An informal term for a person who shares one’s bunk, especially in a prison, barracks, or dormitory.
Did you know?Bunky is a relatively modern informal formation from bunk plus the familiar nickname-forming suffix -y, rather than an ancient mystical term.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
Scots/English
bunk
“A narrow sleeping berth or built-in sleeping place; the exact earlier origin is uncertain.”
19th Century
English
bunk
“A bed or sleeping berth, especially in ships, trains, barracks, and other shared quarters.”
19th Century
English
bunkhouse
“A building providing communal sleeping accommodations, especially for workers.”
20th Century
American English
bunky
“An informal term for a person sharing one’s bunk.”
Modern English
English
bunky
“A casual form of address for a bunkmate or roommate in shared sleeping quarters.”