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Whack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whack

[wæk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hit

To strike with a sharp blow or blows; to hit forcefully.

Synonyms

hit, smack, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whack

Whack is often used in informal settings to describe hitting something or someone with force. It can also suggest a sudden, strong impact, sometimes in a humorous way.

  • He gave the ball a good whack with the bat.
  • I accidentally whacked my knee on the table.
strike

Strike is often used in more formal or dramatic contexts to describe hitting with force or precision. It can also be used in broader contexts such as labor strikes or sudden actions.

  • The boxer managed to strike his opponent's jaw.
  • Workers decided to strike for better wages.
hit

Hit is a more general term for making contact with something forcefully. It can be used both in physical and abstract contexts.

  • She hit the ball over the fence.
  • The company's profits were hit by the economic downturn.
smack

Smack usually refers to hitting with an open hand, often producing a sharp sound. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, but it sometimes has a slightly less severe connotation.

  • Mom smacked the child's hand away from the hot stove.
  • He smacked the mosquito on his arm.

Examples of usage

  • He whacked the ball out of the park.
  • She whacked him on the head with a newspaper.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A sharp blow or hit.

Synonyms

blow, hit, smack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whack

Often used to describe hitting something with force, especially in a sudden or violent manner. It can be quite informal and sometimes humorous.

  • He gave the old TV a good whack to make it work.
  • She took a big whack at the piñata.
blow

Typically used to describe a forceful impact, usually with reference to a physical hit or a significant setback. It can have a serious or negative connotation.

  • The boxer delivered a powerful blow to his opponent's jaw.
  • The sudden loss of his job was a devastating blow to his family.
hit

A general term for striking something or someone. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts, from sports to everyday situations.

  • He hit the tennis ball with great force.
  • She accidentally hit her head on the low ceiling.
smack

Often used to describe a sharp, quick slap, usually with an open hand. It can also be informal and is sometimes used when describing playful behavior.

  • The mother gave her child a light smack on the bottom as a warning.
  • He smacked the mosquito buzzing around his head.

Examples of usage

  • He gave the door a whack with his hand.
  • The sound of the whack echoed through the room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity in the 1990s with shows and movies featuring characters that would often 'whack' their enemies or competitors humorously.
  • In the gaming world, 'whack' is common in titles like 'Whack-a-Mole', entertaining players with the concept of hitting popping-up characters.
  • An iconic usage of the word appears in hip-hop culture, where it can refer to a tough persona or a hard hit.

Sports

  • In baseball, a strong connection can be made to hitting the ball with significant force, often referred to as a solid 'whack'.
  • In cricket, the sound of the ball connecting with the bat can be described as a 'whack', showcasing the sport's physicality.
  • Coaches often encourage players to 'whack' the ball when trying to improve their swing or kick.

Psychology

  • The word can describe physical expressions of frustration or anger, which may be manifested in hitting or striking behavior.
  • In therapy, playful activities that involve 'whacking' can help children express emotions in a safe, controlled environment.
  • Using playful terms like 'whack' can reduce the seriousness of discussions about anger, making it easier for individuals to explore their feelings.

Music

  • The term is often found in lyrics, particularly in genres that emphasize striking or hitting as a metaphor for impact, such as rock or hip-hop.
  • In percussion music, 'whack' can refer to the sharp sound produced by hitting an instrument, adding rhythm and energy.
  • Some songs use the word to convey both literal and figurative meanings, enhancing the emotional feel of the music.

Origin of 'whack'

Main points about word origin

  • This word likely originated in the 15th century, possibly from the Middle English term 'whakken', meaning to strike.
  • In some dialects, it can refer to the sound or action of something being hit hard.
  • Whack also developed regional variations, with some communities adopting it to mean a foolish person or something that is odd.

The word 'whack' originated in the early 18th century as an imitation of the sound of a sharp blow or hit. It has been used in English to describe striking or hitting forcefully ever since. Over time, 'whack' has become a common informal term for describing a strong impact or blow.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,548, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.