Wack vs Whack
What’s the difference between them?
Wack
Meaning:
Wack is slang for something that is strange, foolish, or inferior.
Examples:
1. His ideas are so wack that I can't believe he said them.
2. That wack hairstyle made everyone in the room laugh.
3. His sense of style is so wack that he never leaves the house.
Whack
Meaning:
(informal) To hit or strike with force; to attack verbally.
Examples:
1. I gave the piñata a whack with a baseball bat.
2. The teacher gave the unruly student a whack on the knuckles with a ruler.
3. I gave my computer a whack in frustration.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Wack
strange
weird
usual, normal
Whack
Hit
strike
flop
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Wack", "Whack".
1. Use mnemonics for wack: 'Weird And Crazy Knowledge' – remembering that 'wack' often refers to something bizarre or not right.
2. Use mnemonics for whack: 'With Heavy Action, Crack Hard' – visualizing the action of hitting or striking something hard.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Wack'?
The word 'wack' is an adjective that is used to describe something or someone as weird, crazy, or offbeat. It can be used to express disapproval or dissatisfaction with something or someone. For example, you can use the phrase 'That’s wack' to express your disapproval of something you don’t like.
When to use the second word 'Whack'?
The word 'whack' is a verb that is used to describe the act of striking someone or something forcefully with an object. It can be used to describe physical or emotional violence. For example, you can use the phrase 'He whacked her with a baseball bat' to describe a physical act of violence.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, these words have similar pronunciation, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Wack', 'Whack'?
The most common mistake when using these words is confusing them with each other. Since they have a similar spelling and pronunciation, it can be easy to mix them up. It is important to remember that 'wack' is an adjective and 'whack' is a verb.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. That new movie was totally ___; I didnt understand the plot at all.
2. If you try to touch my cake, Ill ___ your hand away.
3. The way he dresses is a bit ___, but I think its unique.
4. She took a bat and gave the ball a big ___.
5. You think pineapple on pizza is ___? I absolutely love it!
6. He got so mad at his computer that he gave it a ___.
1. wack
Explanation: Wack is used here to describe something strange or inferior, referring to the confusing plot of the movie.
2. whack
Explanation: Whack in this context means to hit or strike with force. The action described is physically hitting ones hand.
3. wack
Explanation: Again, wack is used to describe something perceived as strange or unusual, referring to the way someone dresses.
4. whack
Explanation: Here, whack refers to a forceful hit or strike, describing how she hit the ball with a bat.
5. wack
Explanation: In this sentence, wack is used to describe a personal preference (pineapple on pizza) that might be perceived by others as strange or unusual.
6. whack
Explanation: Whack is used to describe a forceful hit or strike. In this context, its about someone hitting their computer out of frustration.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.