hammy

English - English

Definition of hammy in English English dictionary

short for hamstring, a muscle

characterized by overacting

resembling ham

affectedly dramatic; overacted

{s} resembling a ham, tasting like ham; of or pertaining to one who acts in an exaggerated manner, of a ham actor; exaggerated

if a performance by an actor is hammy, it is done with too much false emotion

Hyphenation

ham·my

Etymology

[ 'ha-mE ] (adjective.) 1929. 1920s, from "ham acting" and "ham actor," which in turn are derivded "hamfatter," a nickname for unskilled performers.