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out of whack

 - 3 dictionary results

whack

[hwak, wak]
–verb (used with object)
1. to strike with a smart, resounding blow or blows.
2. Slang. to divide into or take in shares (often fol. by up): Whack the loot between us two.
–verb (used without object)
3. to strike a smart, resounding blow or blows.
–noun
4. a smart, resounding blow: a whack with his hand.
5. Informal. a trial or attempt: to take a whack at a job.
6. Slang. a portion or share.
7. whack off,
a. to cut off or separate with a blow: The cook whacked off the fish's head.
b. Slang: Vulgar. to masturbate.
8. whack out, Slang. to produce quickly or, sometimes, carelessly: She whacks out a short story every week or so.
9. out of whack, Informal. out of order or alignment; not in proper condition.

Origin:
1710–20; orig. dial., Scots form of thwack; cf. whang 2 , whittle


whacker, noun


5. try, go, turn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To out of whack
whack   (hwāk, wāk)   
v.   whacked, whack·ing, whacks

v.   tr.
  1. To strike (someone or something) with a sharp blow; slap.

  2. Slang To kill deliberately; murder.

v.   intr.
To deal a sharp, resounding blow.
n.  
  1. A sharp, swift blow.

  2. The sound made by a sharp, swift blow.

Phrasal Verb(s):
whack off Vulgar Slang To masturbate.

Idiom(s):
have/take a whack at Informal To try out; attempt.

Idiom(s):
out of whack Informal Improperly ordered or balanced; not functioning correctly.

Idiom(s):
whacked out Slang
  1. Exhausted.

  2. Crazy.

  3. Under the influence of a mind-altering drug.


[Probably imitative.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

out of whack

see under out of kilter.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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