Dud: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'dud' likely comes from the 19th-century British slang 'dud,' which meant a rag or an old piece of clothing.
• It evolved to describe something that is old or worn out, eventually becoming synonymous with anything that fails.

Pop Culture

• In film, a 'dud' often refers to movies that fail to perform well at the box office, despite high expectations.
• The term is frequently used in sports to describe a player who underperforms in crucial moments.

Science

• In the context of weaponry, a 'dud' refers to an explosive device that fails to detonate as intended.
• In engineering, it can describe a product or component that doesn’t meet safety or efficiency standards.

Psychology

• The concept of a 'dud' can trigger emotional responses such as disappointment or frustration, especially if expectations were high.
• People often use the term to cope with failure, turning a perceived setback into a humorous anecdote.

Literature

• In literature, characters sometimes face 'dud' moments that lead to unexpected lessons or character development.
• The use of 'dud' in humorous contexts can highlight the absurdity of situations faced by characters.

This word's position of #32,026 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32023 catchword
• 32024 neighing
• 32025 pansy
• 32026 dud
• 32027 tenderloin
• 32028 bemoaning
• 32029 resignedly
• ...