Hammy

Pronunciation: /ˈhæmi/

Definitions of hammy

adjective exaggerated or overacted in a theatrical way

Example Sentences

A1 The clown's performance was very hammy, with exaggerated gestures and expressions.

A2 The actors in the school play were a bit hammy, but still entertaining.

B1 The soap opera had a reputation for its hammy acting and over-the-top plot twists.

B2 The comedian's hammy jokes had the audience roaring with laughter.

C1 Despite his hammy acting style, the actor was able to convey deep emotions in his performance.

C2 The director criticized the actress for her hammy portrayal of the character, urging her to be more subtle.

Examples of hammy in a Sentence

formal The actor's hammy performance in the play received mixed reviews from the critics.

informal I can't believe how hammy that actor was in the movie, it was so over the top!

slang She always hams it up whenever she's on stage, it's so entertaining to watch.

figurative His hammy attempts at flirting were not well received by the girl at the bar.

Grammatical Forms of hammy

• past tense: hammied
• plural: hammies
• comparative: hammier
• superlative: hammiest
• present tense: hammies
• future tense: will hammy
• perfect tense: has hammed
• continuous tense: is hammying
• singular: hammy
• positive degree: hammy
• infinitive: to hammy
• gerund: hammying
• participle: hammied

Origin and Evolution of hammy

First Known Use: 1882 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'hammy' is believed to have originated from the theatrical term 'ham actor' or 'hamming it up', which refers to an actor who overacts or exaggerates their performance.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'hammy' has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who is overly theatrical or melodramatic, not just actors. It can also be used to describe someone who is overly showy or attention-seeking.