Yeah, I think the term "bonk" is being used much more casually than it is mean to many folks. I think what many folks are referring to when they say bonk is just exhaustion, loss of energy and stamina, heat exhaustion, some dehydration, ... and plain just over-doing it whether it be distance, prolonged speed, lack of hydration or food, etc.

I have on many occasions felt what I call "Lost It" or I say "I'm gone". This is what I say when any of the above conditions are met. I've only truly bonked once in the early to mid 90's and it was not a pretty site. I felt sick and very odd for atleast 10 days to 2 weeks. And, even when I did get back on the bike, something was just not right for another week or two.