whopping

Whopping is an adjective used to describe something remarkably large or impressive in size, extent, or amount. It conveys a sense of surprise or astonishment at the sheer magnitude of the subject. The word often implies that the size or quantity is unexpectedly or unusually great.

For example, one might refer to a "whopping discount" to indicate a significant reduction in price, or a "whopping salary increase" to denote a substantial rise in income. Similarly, a "whopping wave" would suggest a wave of immense size, and a "whopping fine" would imply a very large penalty. The term is generally informal and adds emphasis to the scale of the noun it modifies.

The origin of the word "whopping" is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 19th century, possibly related to the verb "whop," meaning to strike heavily. This connection might suggest the idea of something so large it feels like a forceful impact. Regardless of its precise etymology, its modern usage consistently denotes an exceptional degree of size or quantity. It is a versatile word used in various contexts to highlight impressiveness or excess.