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Whopper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whopper

[ˈwɒpər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food item

The term 'whopper' commonly refers to a large hamburger, especially the popular variant sold by the fast-food chain Burger King. It typically features a flame-grilled beef patty, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. Due to its size and taste, it often appeals to those looking for a hearty meal. Beyond food, 'whopper' can also be used informally to describe something that is very large or significant in size.

Synonyms

big burger, giant sandwich, massive meal.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a whopper with extra cheese.
  • He couldn't finish his whopper; it was too big.
  • The restaurant is famous for its whoppers.
  • She took a big bite of her whopper.
Context #2 | Noun

exaggeration

In informal language, a 'whopper' can also refer to an outrageous lie or an exaggerated statement. It implies that the story being told is so big or unbelievable that it borders on fiction. This usage is often light-hearted and humorous, frequently utilized in casual conversation. It is not uncommon for people to say they told a whopper when they are referring to a tall tale or an embellishment of the truth.

Synonyms

exaggeration, fib, tall tale.

Examples of usage

  • He told a whopper about winning the lottery.
  • Don't believe her; that story is just a whopper.
  • She always has a whopper to share at parties.
  • His whopper about the ghost in his attic was entertaining.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the world of fast food, 'Whopper' is a well-known hamburger from Burger King, introduced in 1957, symbolizing something grand and satisfying.
  • The term has appeared in various movies and TV shows, often used to denote a huge lie or deceit, showcasing its cultural significance.

Psychology

  • People sometimes tell 'whoppers' as a means of impressing others or enhancing their social status, reflecting their desire for approval.
  • Studies show that exaggeration can create memorable stories that people are more likely to share, making it a tool for social bonding.

Literature

  • In humorous literature, characters often tell outrageous 'whoppers' to entertain or mislead others, showcasing the power of storytelling.
  • Famous authors like Mark Twain used tall tales as a narrative device to highlight human folly and wit.

Children's Games

  • 'Whopper' is also referenced in games where players might tell the biggest or most ridiculous stories to win, making it a fun part of playtime.
  • In childhood, exaggerating stories about a fish caught can turn into a friendly competition of who can tell the biggest 'whopper.'

Origin of 'whopper'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'whopper' is thought to come from the 19th century, possibly as a dialect term in England, meaning something remarkably large.
  • It gained popularity in American English, often referring to exaggerated stories or large hamburgers from fast-food chains.

The word 'whopper' has intriguing origins that date back to the middle of the 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the dialectal English term 'whop,' which means to strike or hit, possibly evolving in meaning over time. The first known usages of 'whopper' in print referred to something very large or of great importance. By the 1940s, the word became closely associated with the iconic hamburger of the same name introduced by the fast-food chain Burger King in 1957. This strategic branding solidified 'whopper' in popular culture, primarily as a reference to size and quality of a hamburger. The term has since been adopted informally to describe anything that's impressively large or exaggerated, demonstrating its versatility in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,517, 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.