What does walloped mean?
“Walloped” is an informal verb meaning to strike someone or something with considerable force and, by extension, to defeat them decisively. Its figurative use—“walloped the competition”—is especially common and often suggests an overwhelming result rather than a narrowly contested win. The word can also describe a person or side that has suffered such a decisive defeat, as in “the visitors were walloped.” Although usually transitive, it may occur without an object in idiomatic sports reporting. “Walloped” belongs to a productive family that includes the noun “wallop,” the participial adjective “walloping,” and the agent noun “walloper.” The tone is energetic and colloquial, sometimes humorous, so it is better suited to informal writing and commentary than to formal legal, historical, or technical prose. Its vivid sound and double range—from physical impact to emphatic victory—make it especially effective when describing a forceful blow or a comprehensive rout.
To strike or beat with force; informally, to defeat someone or a team decisively.
"The champions walloped their rivals throughout the tournament."
The figurative sense is especially common in reports of sports and elections.
Defeated decisively, especially in a contest.
"The walloped home side struggled to regroup after the defeat."
A wallop can mean both a physical blow and a crushing defeat, giving “walloped the opposition” a satisfying double meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does walloped come from?
The verb is generally traced to the Dutch word walop, associated with a lump or heavy blow, and its English use is usually dated to the early nineteenth century. The precise intermediate development is uncertain, so the proposed source should not be treated as entirely certain. Its related English forms include “wallop” and “walloping.”
Related word forms
How walloped is actually used
The word is informal and emphatic, particularly common in British and American sports and political commentary. In its figurative sense, it suggests a decisive or overwhelming defeat rather than a narrow victory.
Easily confused with walloped
Walloped means struck with force or defeated decisively, whereas wallowed means rolled about in mud or indulged in something excessively.