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Shellacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shellacked

[ʃəˈlækt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

coated surface

Shellacked refers to an object that has been covered with a hard, protective finish or varnish known as shellac. This finish is often used on wood to enhance its appearance and durability. The term can also describe someone who has received a severe defeat or punishment.

Synonyms

coated, glossy, varnished.

Examples of usage

  • The table was shellacked to protect it from scratches.
  • After the game, the team felt shellacked by their opponents.
  • She applied a layer of shellac to preserve the artwork.
Context #2 | Verb

to defeat

To shellack means to defeat someone decisively or to punish them severely. This usage originates from the noun form and indicates a thorough or complete victory.

Synonyms

defeat, thrash, trounce.

Examples of usage

  • The boxer shellacked his opponent in the ring.
  • The critics shellacked the movie for its poor plot.
  • They shellacked the other team during the tournament.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In baseball slang, being 'shellacked' refers to a team being dramatically beaten, highlighting the term's evolution in informal use.
  • Various artists have used 'shellacked' metaphorically in songs and artworks to describe themes of defeat or being overwhelmed.

Science

  • Shellac is a natural polymer that creates a strong, protective barrier, making it useful in various applications, from food coatings to musical instruments.
  • Its adhesive properties allow shellac to be utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for coatings that protect drugs from moisture.

Art and Craft

  • In woodworking, shellacking provides a glossy finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain while protecting it from damage.
  • Artists often use shellac in traditional techniques, such as in the production of fine veneers or to create a polished surface on their paintings.

Historical Usage

  • During the 19th century, shellac became a staple in furniture finishing, fueling the popularity of polished wooden pieces in homes.
  • In the past, shellac was also used for making phonograph records, contributing to its historical significance in audio technology.

Origin of 'shellacked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'shellac' comes from the resin secreted by the female lac bug found mainly in India and Thailand.
  • 'Shellacked' originally referred to the process of applying shellac varnish to wood or other surfaces for protection.
  • The use of shellac as a finish dates back hundreds of years, showcasing its enduring popularity in craftsmanship.

The word 'shellacked' comes from 'shellac', which is a resin secreted by the female lac bug on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. The term became popular in the 19th century when shellac was used as a varnish for furniture and musical instruments due to its durability and natural finish. The use of shellac for coating items gave rise to the term 'shellacked' as an adjective to describe anything that has been finished with this material. Further, the verb form emerged, indicating a decisive win or a severe beating, likely influenced by the notion of thoroughly covering or dominating an opponent. The evolution of 'shellacked' in modern English has come to encompass both the physical application of the shellac finish and the figurative sense of delivering a crushing defeat.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,929, 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.