Walloping: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word has roots in the adjective 'whopping,' which emerged in the mid-19th century, meaning large or great.
• Potentially derived from a dialectal English term 'walap' meaning to strike or hit.
• It was originally used in British vernacular, growing popular in American English in the early 20th century.

Pop Culture

• The term gained traction in children's media, often used to describe exaggerated, cartoonish actions, like a 'walloping' punch or fall.
• In some comedy skits, characters describe an event as 'walloping' to add humor to the size or impact of a situation.
• Songs and films sometimes use 'walloping' to enhance drama, emphasizing the shock or surprise of a scene.

Literature

• In literature, characters might deliver a 'walloping' line to emphasize their feelings or state of mind, adding drama to dialogue.
• Books targeting younger audiences often use 'walloping' to depict larger-than-life scenarios, engaging readers with vivid imagery.
• The term appears in whimsical poems, illustrating fantastic events with playful exaggeration.

Psychology

• 'Walloping' can relate to the concept of impactful experiences, often used to describe a sudden realization or emotional encounter.
• Psychologists might use the term to describe overwhelming emotions, particularly in response to surprising or shocking news.
• The word evokes images of strong physical sensations, which may articulate feelings of excitement or anxiety.

Sports

• In sports commentary, 'walloping' is often used to describe a significant victory or an impressive performance, increasing excitement.
• Athletes might discuss a 'walloping' hit in contact sports, signifying a forceful and impactful play.
• The term is often used in narratives around famous matches, capturing the thrill of competitions with unexpected outcomes.

Ranking #39,761, 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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• 39758 acclimating
• 39759 whiteout
• 39760 repulsively
• 39761 walloping
• 39762 extortionist
• 39763 wiseacre
• 39764 exorcize
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