Hammy
adjective
Overdone or exaggerated acting, like an overacting actor in a drama or play.
His hammy performance in the movie was entertaining, but it was not believable.
Often appears as...
- hammy performance
- hammy acting
adjective
Relating to or resembling ham in taste, smell, or appearance.
The hammy aroma filled the kitchen as she cooked the pork.
Often appears as...
- hammy aroma
- hammy taste
adjective
Overdone or exaggerated acting, like an overacting actor in a drama or play.
His hammy performance in the movie was entertaining, but it was not believable.
Often appears as...
- hammy performance
- hammy acting
adjective
Relating to or resembling ham in taste, smell, or appearance.
The hammy aroma filled the kitchen as she cooked the pork.
Often appears as...
- hammy aroma
- hammy taste
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Theatrical Origins
Originates from actors overacting in theater; useful to describe similarly excessive behavior in any performance.
His hammy antics onstage made the audience laugh.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Often implies a negative view of an overly dramatic and insincere performance, rather than being a compliment.
The critics called his interpretation too hammy to take seriously.
Pro Tip 3/3Humorous Effect
Sometimes used deliberately for comedy; excessive emotion or seriousness can be amusing.
Her hammy sobbing in the comedy sketch was hilarious.
Pro Tip 1/3Theatrical Origins
Originates from actors overacting in theater; useful to describe similarly excessive behavior in any performance.
His hammy antics onstage made the audience laugh.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Often implies a negative view of an overly dramatic and insincere performance, rather than being a compliment.
The critics called his interpretation too hammy to take seriously.
Pro Tip 3/3Humorous Effect
Sometimes used deliberately for comedy; excessive emotion or seriousness can be amusing.
Her hammy sobbing in the comedy sketch was hilarious.
Pro Tip 1/3Theatrical Origins
Originates from actors overacting in theater; useful to describe similarly excessive behavior in any performance.
His hammy antics onstage made the audience laugh.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Often implies a negative view of an overly dramatic and insincere performance, rather than being a compliment.
The critics called his interpretation too hammy to take seriously.
Pro Tip 3/3Humorous Effect
Sometimes used deliberately for comedy; excessive emotion or seriousness can be amusing.
Her hammy sobbing in the comedy sketch was hilarious.
Compare with
bombasticexaggerateflamboyancegrandiosemelodramaticostentatiousshowytheatrical
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Video examples
Lance Romance PIPE Wicked...
keep talking don't worry little over end it it's over my hammy don't talk to me like that I know I know most boat it is I understand it okay threatening me you know promising you all right exactly
Video examples
Lance Romance PIPE Wicked...
keep talking don't worry little over end it it's over my hammy don't talk to me like that I know I know most boat it is I understand it okay threatening me you know promising you all right exactly
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Emma Stone
American Actress
My parents are both very funny but they're also relatively soft-spoken, normal human beings while I'm just a lunatic. I don't know where this loud, ballsy, hammy ridiculousness came from. I'm just glad I followed my goals and my parents did too. It's not like we even had a plan when I dragged my mom to Los Angeles.
Quote examples
Win Butler
American Musician
I was really sick of bands just ignoring the audience as a posture in rock music. And I think we fed off each other in terms of trying to engage the audience, not in a hammy way, but actually trying to be aware of the space that you are playing in and trying to connect in some way through the music.
Quote examples
Sarah Greene
English Entertainer
I move my face so much because I'm very much expressive. I'm told a lot, 'Stop moving your face'. Because on camera, the tiniest movement tells so much, and it looks really hammy.
Quote examples
Bryce Harper
American Athlete
It's funny to me because everyone says I'm injury prone. That's hilarious to me because I've never blown a hammy or a shoulder or anything like that, knock on wood.
Quote examples
Gale Harold
American Actor
If anyone can crack the publicity nut and figure out how to not come across hammy and contrived, I'd love to talk to them.
Quote examples
Jeremy Scott
American Designer
I'm an introverted extrovert. My job sets me apart, but I'm not hammy and don't need attention.
Quote examples
Emma Stone
American Actress
My parents are both very funny but they're also relatively soft-spoken, normal human beings while I'm just a lunatic. I don't know where this loud, ballsy, hammy ridiculousness came from. I'm just glad I followed my goals and my parents did too. It's not like we even had a plan when I dragged my mom to Los Angeles.
Quote examples
Win Butler
American Musician
I was really sick of bands just ignoring the audience as a posture in rock music. And I think we fed off each other in terms of trying to engage the audience, not in a hammy way, but actually trying to be aware of the space that you are playing in and trying to connect in some way through the music.
Quote examples
Sarah Greene
English Entertainer
I move my face so much because I'm very much expressive. I'm told a lot, 'Stop moving your face'. Because on camera, the tiniest movement tells so much, and it looks really hammy.
Quote examples
Bryce Harper
American Athlete
It's funny to me because everyone says I'm injury prone. That's hilarious to me because I've never blown a hammy or a shoulder or anything like that, knock on wood.
Quote examples
Gale Harold
American Actor
If anyone can crack the publicity nut and figure out how to not come across hammy and contrived, I'd love to talk to them.
Quote examples
Jeremy Scott
American Designer
I'm an introverted extrovert. My job sets me apart, but I'm not hammy and don't need attention.
Example 1 of 6
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