Wham

usgb/wæm/
interjection

Used to express a sudden or unexpected occurrence or action.

I turned the corner and wham, there was a car right in front of me!
Visual representation of "wham" - Used to express a sudden or unexpected occurrence or action.

Often appears as...

  • then wham
  • out of the blue

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "wham"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sudden Surprise

Use 'wham' to describe something surprising that happens very quickly.

Illustration for Sudden Surprise
Everything was quiet, and then wham, fireworks started.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expressive Sound

'Wham' is often used to mimic the sound of a sudden impact or collision.

Illustration for Expressive Sound
The books fell off the shelf with a loud wham.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Sometimes 'wham' is used for dramatic effect, not to describe an actual sound.

Illustration for Not Literal
She was considering her options when wham, she had a great idea.
Visual representation of the word "Wham"

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