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Shellacking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shellacking

[ʃəˈlækɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports defeat

Shellacking refers to a severe or decisive defeat, often used in the context of sports. It implies that one team overwhelmingly outperformed the other, leading to significant point differences. This term can also extend beyond sports to describe any situation where an entity receives a considerable setback or loss. It's often used informally but carries a strong connotation.

Synonyms

beating, clobbering, defeat, drubbing, trouncing.

Examples of usage

  • The team suffered a shellacking in the championship game.
  • After the shellacking, the coach needed to regroup his players.
  • They delivered a shellacking to their rivals last night.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the realm of sports, 'shellacking' is often referenced in commentary to describe when one team wins by a large margin.
  • The term has appeared in various movies and TV shows, usually in scenes depicting comedic or dramatic losses.
  • In video games, a 'shellacking' often refers to a player being thoroughly outplayed or defeated.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a shellacking in a competitive setting can affect self-esteem, with individuals sometimes struggling to regain confidence afterward.
  • Studies show that how one reacts to severe losses can influence future performance and risk-taking behavior.
  • Support and encouragement play a critical role in helping individuals recover from the psychological impacts of a significant defeat.

Literature

  • The term has been employed in various literary works to describe not just physical fights but also emotional or social defeats.
  • Authors often use 'shellacking' to convey the intensity of rivalry or competition, thereby enhancing the narrative conflict.
  • In poetry, the use of 'shellacking' can evoke vivid imagery of struggles, emphasizing resilience or vulnerability.

Origin of 'shellacking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shellacking' is believed to originate from 'shellac,' a varnish that gives a hard finish, hence implying a hard defeat.
  • It was popularized during the 19th century in American English, often used in sports contexts.
  • The term suggests receiving a strong blow – metaphorically or literally – much like how shellac hardens and protects.

The term 'shellacking' likely originates from the 19th-century slang 'shellac', which referred to a type of varnish. The use of shellac as a verb meaning to defeat came into play during the mid-20th century, drawing an analogy between being 'shellacked' in a competition and objects being coated in a protective layer of shellac that makes them appear shiny and appealing. This metaphorical usage suggests that the losing party was overwhelmed or completely outclassed, much like how shellac protects and alters the surface of wood. Over time, 'shellacking' evolved into a popular colloquialism in American English, particularly in sports commentary, indicating that one side had decisively won or dominated another in a match or competition.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,211, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.