whammo

[ hwam-oh, wam-oh ]

interjection

1. (used to indicate the sound of a blow, collision, falling object, etc.)

noun

1. immense energy; vigor:

   a movie with plenty of whammo to please the kids.

adjective

1. characterized by such a strong effect:

   a show with a whammo ending.

adverb

1. wham ( def 5 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of whammo¹

First recorded in 1930–35; wham + -o

Example Sentences

“But then whammo! And now I don’t know why God hates us so much.”

From Washington Post

“Whammo, there are long-term complications, like myocarditis, brain fog, chronic fatigue syndrome. Hair loss.”

From Washington Post

Just when you thought the story of Abraham Lincoln couldn’t get any more tragic, whammo!, some drunk comes along and stabs his dog.

From Slate

It’s more slow burn than whammo action, and so is Baptiste himself.

From New York Times

As the Jets of yore themselves might say, “Whammo! Blammo!”

From Washington Post