whack

Definition

The sound of a heavy strike.

Etymology

Uncertain. Originally Scottish; probably onomatopoeic, but compare Middle English thakken, from Old English þaccian (whence Modern thwack by conflation with whack). Sense 6 of the verb is likely a semantic loan from Malay hentam (“to strike; to do something carelessly”).

Example Sentences

• "Saka was a threat from the first whistle; Ukraine rightly wary of him and dishing out the usual whacks."
• "C'mon. Take a whack at it."
• "40 bucks a whack."