Dunked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'dunk' has origins in the mid-17th century, likely derived from the Dutch word 'dunken', meaning to dip.
• In the early 1900s, 'dunk' became commonly associated with food, especially pastries and cookies in beverages.
• The transition of the word into sports slang is a more recent development, connecting it to basketball.

Sports

• In basketball, a dunk is a high-impact shot where a player jumps and scores by putting the ball directly through the hoop.
• Dunks are often celebrated in sports culture for their athleticism and style, with famous players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James known for their signature dunks.
• The NBA hosts specific competitions, such as the Slam Dunk Contest, where athletes showcase creative and acrobatic dunking skills.

Pop Culture

• The word 'dunked' has appeared in various films and television shows, often used humorously when food is unexpectedly dropped in liquid.
• Popular snack brands have capitalized on the idea of 'dunking', creating products specifically designed to enhance this eating experience, like dunkable cookies and snacks.
• Catchphrases in sports commentary sometimes use 'dunked' to describe a stunning play, adding to its cultural significance.

Psychology

• Dunking food can evoke positive emotions, as it often reminds people of comfort foods and cherished childhood experiences.
• In psychological experiments, the act of dunking can symbolize surrender or giving oneself over to something pleasurable.
• Dunking may also activate sensory pleasure, intertwining taste with the visual act.

Ranking #35,642, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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