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Hammiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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hammiest

 

[ ˈhæmiəst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

comedy performance

The term 'hammiest' refers to an exaggerated or overly theatrical style of acting or performance. This term is often used to describe actors who indulge in melodrama or who present their roles in a manner that is excessively showy or sensational. Typically associated with comedic performances, 'hammiest' implies that the performance lacks subtlety and relies heavily on caricature and over-the-top expressions. Such performances are often seen in stage acts, television, and film where humor is derived from the exaggerated nature of the delivery.

Synonyms

exaggerated, melodramatic, overacting, theatrical

Examples of usage

  • His hammiest performance made everyone laugh.
  • The play featured some of the hammiest acting I've ever seen.
  • She was known for her hammiest roles in comedy films.
  • The actor went for the hammiest approach in his latest show.

Translations

Translations of the word "hammiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais insensato

🇮🇳 सबसे मूर्खतापूर्ण

🇩🇪 am albernsten

🇮🇩 paling konyol

🇺🇦 найбільш безглуздий

🇵🇱 najbardziej głupi

🇯🇵 最も馬鹿げた

🇫🇷 le plus absurde

🇪🇸 el más tonto

🇹🇷 en enayisi

🇰🇷 가장 바보 같은

🇸🇦 الأكثر سخافة

🇨🇿 nejhloupější

🇸🇰 najhlúpejší

🇨🇳 最愚蠢的

🇸🇮 najbolj neumen

🇮🇸 fyndnasti

🇰🇿 ең ақымақ

🇬🇪 ყველაზე სულელი

🇦🇿 ən axmaq

🇲🇽 el más tonto

Etymology

The term 'ham' in the context of acting dates back to the mid-19th century and is believed to have originated from the term 'ham actor.' This term was used to describe performers who were overly dramatic and pronounced in their theatrical style, often focusing more on their presence than on the authenticity of the character they were portraying. The word 'ham' itself may have derived from the word 'hammy,' which later evolved into various forms. The suffix '-iest' is a superlative ending used in English to denote an extreme degree of a trait; therefore, 'hammiest' means the most hammy or exaggerated in performance. Over time, the usage of 'hammiest' has become synonymous with not just acting but also any performance that is perceived to be overly dramatic, emphasizing the idea that sometimes, the most exaggerated portrayals can be the funniest.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,692, 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.