wack etymology

Etymology:

  • "Wack" is thought to have originated in the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) of the 1970s.

Meaning:

  • Originally: Bad, inferior, or low-quality
  • Modern usage: Foolish, stupid, or ridiculous

Origin:

The exact origin of "wack" is uncertain, but there are several possible theories:

  • Weakening of "wacko": "Wacky" was already used in the 1960s to mean "crazy" or "foolish." "Wack" may have evolved as a shortened and weakened form of "wacko."
  • Back-formation: "Wack" may have been derived from the slang term "wacka-wacka," which referred to something ridiculous or foolish.
  • Association with "whack:" The word "whack" had negative connotations as early as the 16th century, meaning "blow" or "kill." "Wack" may have been influenced by this association.

Usage:

In modern slang, "wack" is widely used to describe something or someone as foolish, ridiculous, or unimpressive. It can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb:

  • Adjective: That's a wack idea.
  • Noun: Don't be such a wack.
  • Verb: You're totally wacking out.

Variations:

"Wack" has several variations with similar meanings, including:

  • Weak
  • Whack
  • Wacky
  • Whak

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