# whammy

/ˈhwæmi/ (US) · /wˈæmi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whammy
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a sudden, bad event or a very lucky break. It is often used when something happens that you did not expect at all.

For teachers: an unexpected, often significant, event or consequence. Frequently used in the phrase 'whammy' to describe a sudden stroke of luck or a sudden misfortune.

## Examples

- I didn't expect that promotion to be a whammy.
- The sudden drop in interest rates was a real whammy for the housing market.
- While the initial investment seemed sound, the subsequent regulatory changes proved to be a whammy that the firm was ill-prepared to handle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.