Make Your Point > Archived Issues > WALLOPING

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"WALLOPING" Pronunciation: "WALL uh ping" (the "WALL" rhymes with "ALL.") Part of speech: Usually an adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a walloping lie” 2. After a linking verb, as in “The lie was walloping.”) "Walloping" can also be an adverb. (Adverbs are words that tell more about verbs or other describing words, like "carefully," "very," and "extremely.") Meaning: A wallop is a strong punch. So, when something is walloping, it's impressively big or extremely good, like a strong punch. Other forms: wallop (noun and verb), walloped, walloping (a noun meaning a strong defeat) How to use it: To use this word as an adjective, talk about a walloping sound, a walloping speed, a walloping increase or decrease, a walloping amount of something (like time, distance, height, weight, etc., but especially money), a walloping force or impact, and so on. To use it as an adverb, talk about a walloping good time, a walloping huge electric bill, a walloping loud concert, and so on. This is a great word to use sarcastically to talk about things that are actually not that impressive and not that big, as in "We got a walloping eight cent raise, whoop-de-doo." We decided not to have custom plantation shutters installed after finding out they would cost a walloping ten thousand dollars. It's entertaining in itself to sit by a pool and watch all the kids have a walloping good time. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You'll know you understand what "walloping" means when you can explain it without saying "packs a punch" or "humongous." Think of the last time you were so impressed that you couldn't believe your eyes, and fill in the blanks: "I was expecting _____, but what I got was a walloping _____.” Example: “I was expecting an assault on the ears and a test of patience at the children's orchestra concert, but what I got was a walloping good performance that many times moved me to tears.” Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don't go straight to the review now; let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month's game is "Guess the real pop song title when I give you a long-winded, highfalutin version of it." All the answers this month will be titles of popular songs released no earlier than 2012. Try it out each day and see the right answer the next day. We're playing this in order to appreciate the simple, precise vocabulary of pop song titles, despite how often they are criticized for being sappy, trite, and simplistic.   Yesterday’s answer: “Manifestation of Appreciation via Manual Percussion” is really “Applause” by Lady Gaga.   Try this one today: “A Single Additional Nocturnal Period” A Point Well Made: Harper Lee: "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks." 1. The opposite of WALLOPING is A. UNDERWHELMING B. GENTLE C. EXACTING 2. The bill for the _____ came to a walloping _____. A. replacement button on the jeans .. six dollars. B. car safety inspection .. forty-five dollars. C. team's dinner and drinks .. three thousand dollars. Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. C