The word "whammy" is a noun that can have a couple of meanings, and it's often used in informal contexts. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Curse or Spell: The word "whammy" can refer to a magical spell or curse that is meant to bring bad luck or misfortune. For example, you might hear someone say, "He put the whammy on me," meaning they believe someone has cursed them or caused them bad luck.
Setback or Misfortune: It can also mean a serious setback or a difficult situation that causes problems. For instance, "Losing my job was a real whammy."
In more advanced contexts, "whammy" can also suggest a powerful impact or effect, especially in discussions about events or situations that strongly affect someone or something.
While "whammy" primarily refers to a curse or a setback, it's also used more broadly to describe any impactful negative event.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "whammy," but you might encounter phrases like "double whammy" which means two bad things happening at the same time.
"Whammy" is an informal word that can mean a curse or a serious setback. You can use it to describe situations where someone feels they have been struck by bad luck or faced a significant problem.