whammy

noun wham·my \ˈhwa-mē, ˈwa-\

: something (such as a magical spell) that causes someone to have bad luck

plural whammies

Full Definition of WHAMMY

a : a supernatural power bringing bad luck

b : a magic curse or spell : jinx, hex

: a potent force or attack; specifically : a paralyzing or lethal blow

See whammy defined for English-language learners

probably from ¹wham

First Known Use: 1940

Synonyms: abracadabra, bewitchment, charm, conjuration, enchantment, glamour (also glamor), hex, incantation, invocation, spell

Next Word in the Dictionary: whammy barPrevious Word in the Dictionary: whammelAll Words Near: whammy

What made you want to look up whammy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears