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Whopping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whopping

[หˆwษ’p.ษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

size, degree

The term 'whopping' is commonly used to describe something that is exceptionally large or significant in size, magnitude, or degree. It often conveys surprise or emphasis regarding the extent of something. For example, a whopping sum of money indicates an unexpectedly large amount. This word is typically used in informal contexts and carries a connotation of being impressive or exaggerated.

Synonyms

enormous, gigantic, huge, immense.

Examples of usage

  • He won a whopping $10 million in the lottery.
  • The elephant is a whopping animal in the zoo.
  • She cooked a whopping meal for the guests.
  • They faced a whopping challenge in their project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'whopping' is often used in advertising to convey exciting sales or deals, like 'a whopping 50% off!'
  • In movies and TV shows, characters may say 'thatโ€™s a whopping lie!' to emphasize the absurdity of a claim, highlighting its dramatic potential.

Psychology

  • Exaggerated language like 'whopping' can heighten emotional responses, influencing how messages are received.
  • Using energetic descriptors in stories or conversations can make experiences more memorable and engaging for listeners.

Literature

  • Writers often employ hyperbolic language, including 'whopping,' to add color and intensity, making descriptions more vivid.
  • Children's books frequently use playful words like 'whopping' to convey excitement, encouraging a sense of wonder.

Everyday Usage

  • The word has been popularly adopted in everyday speech, reflecting cultural attitudes towards language playfulness.
  • It is commonly used in sports commentary to celebrate significant achievements or scores, emphasizing the scale of an event.

Origin of 'whopping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'whopping' originates from the early 19th century and is thought to blend the word 'whop' (to hit or strike) with a suffix expressing size.
  • It may also be derived from the British dialect word 'whopping' which referred to something large, showing regional influences in language development.

The word 'whopping' emerged in the early 19th century, around the year 1820, as a colloquial expression in British English. It is believed to have derived from the verb 'whop', which means to strike or hit, and may have been influenced by similar-sounding words that convey an action of significance. Over time, 'whopping' has evolved to focus more on size and quantity rather than striking or hitting. Its informal use has become prevalent, especially in contexts emphasizing the impressive or exaggerated nature of an object or event. The word continues to be popular in contemporary language, especially in informal speech and writing, reflecting the speaker's amazement or emphasis on the size of the subject being discussed.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,132, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.