Humdinger
/ˈhʌmˌdɪŋɡər/
nounB2
Definition
A humdinger is a person, event, or thing that stands out because it is very good, exciting, or remarkable. It is often used to describe something surprising or very impressive that catches attention.
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See It in Action
An outstanding or remarkable person or thing
- •That car is a real humdinger with its fast speed and shiny design.
- •The party last night was a humdinger; everyone had so much fun.
- •She told a humdinger of a story that made everyone laugh.
Something surprising or excellent in quality
- •The movie was a humdinger, full of action and suspense.
- •His performance was a humdinger, better than anyone expected.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "humdinger" like "great" (A1 word), but much stronger and more exciting—like something that really amazes you
- ✓Picture a bright, colorful firework that makes everyone say "Wow!"—that's a humdinger
- ✓It's the feeling when you see an amazing game or hear a fantastic story that you want to tell everyone
- ✓Sounds like "HUM-ding-er" → imagine a big drum (hum) beating loudly and a bell (ding) ringing to announce something special
- ✓Think of a character in a story who always surprises others with amazing ideas or actions—a real humdinger
- ✓NOT like "good" (simple and normal), a humdinger is outstanding and hard to forget
- ✓NOT like "ordinary" or "average"—a humdinger is unique and impressive
- ✓NOT like "boring" or "simple"—a humdinger excites and interests people
Try Other Words
- •Showstopper: something very impressive that stops people to watch (Use when talking about performances or events that attract attention)
- •Knockout: a person or thing that is very impressive or attractive (Use when emphasizing strong impact or beauty)
- •Whopper: something very large or remarkable (Use when the size or scale is surprising)
- •Dazzler: something that impresses by shining or being very good (Use when focusing on brightness or brilliance)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Unknown exact parts; "hum" (a low sound) + "dinger" (from "ding," a bell sound) combined to suggest something loud or attention-grabbing
- •Etymology: Originated in early 1900s American English as slang to describe something remarkable or excellent
- •Historical development: First used to mean a striking or impressive thing or person, often with a playful or informal tone
- •Modern usage: Used informally to praise anything or anyone very impressive, often in casual conversation or storytelling
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of experiences or things in your life would you call a humdinger? Why?
•How does using a word like humdinger change the way you describe something impressive compared to just saying "good"?
Fill in the blanks
1.The concert was a humdinger because the band played ___ songs and the crowd was ___ excited.
2.When she told a humdinger of a joke, everyone ___ and the room felt ___.
3.Unlike a regular event, a humdinger usually ___ people’s expectations and leaves them ___.
4.A humdinger often ___ attention with its ___ qualities or surprises.
5.You can describe a humdinger as something ___ or ___ that stands out from the usual.
6.After the game, the coach said it was a humdinger, meaning the team played ___ and with ___ energy.
7.The word humdinger is often used ___ to show strong ___ or admiration for something special.