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Hammier: meaning, definitions and examples

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hammier

 

[ ˈhæmɪər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

slang usage

The term 'hammier' refers to the quality of being overly theatrical or exaggerated, often in a manner that is considered silly or not genuine. It is commonly used to describe performances that lack subtlety or restraint, where the actor or performer engages in melodramatic actions or speech. The word is derived from the informal use of 'ham' which indicates a performer who is overly showy. The term can also be used in casual conversation to critique someone's behavior or presentation style.

Synonyms

exaggerated, melodramatic, overdramatic

Examples of usage

  • Her performance was so hammier that the audience couldn't take it seriously.
  • He tends to become hammier when he gets nervous.
  • Let's tone down the hammier aspects of your presentation.

Translations

Translations of the word "hammier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 martelo de borracha

🇮🇳 हैमर

🇩🇪 Gummihammer

🇮🇩 palu karet

🇺🇦 гумовий молоток

🇵🇱 młotek gumowy

🇯🇵 ゴムハンマー

🇫🇷 marteau en caoutchouc

🇪🇸 martillo de goma

🇹🇷 kauçuk çekiç

🇰🇷 고무 망치

🇸🇦 مطرقة مطاطية

🇨🇿 gumový kladivo

🇸🇰 gumový kladivo

🇨🇳 橡胶锤

🇸🇮 gumijasti kladiv

🇮🇸 gúmmíhamar

🇰🇿 резина балға

🇬🇪 გუმის მკლავი

🇦🇿 kauçuk çəkici

🇲🇽 martillo de goma

Etymology

The word 'hammier' is derived from 'ham,' which originated in the late 19th century in American theatrical slang. The term was initially coined to describe actors who were perceived as being overly dramatic or foolishly exaggerated in their performances. The usage evolved over time, and 'ham' became a popular way to denote a performer who lacks subtlety, often to the point of being comical. The comparative form 'hammier' emphasizes an even greater degree of this theatrical quality. This evolution of language reflects societal changes in how performance art is viewed, shifting from simply entertaining to requiring more finesse and authenticity. As a result, 'hammier' has come to connote not just a lack of sophistication in acting but also a broader critique of authenticity in various forms of expression.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,765, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.