What does whacked mean?
"Whacked" is an informal word meaning extremely tired or exhausted, as in a statement that someone is too worn out to continue. Its appearance in the phrase "whacked out" can also indicate that someone is behaving unusually, feels mentally overwhelmed, or is in an altered or intoxicated state. The word is especially common in North American everyday speech, although informal speakers elsewhere may use it as well. It also functions as the past tense and past participle of "whack," an old word for striking something sharply. As an adjective, "whacked" is vivid and informal, often conveying exhaustion more emphatically than simply saying that someone is tired. Because its meanings can range from physical fatigue to mental disturbance or intoxication, context is important. In formal writing, "exhausted," "weary," or a more precise description is usually preferable.
Informally, extremely tired or exhausted; in the expression "whacked out," also mentally unsettled or intoxicated.
"The children were whacked after spending the entire day at the fair."
The sense meaning exhausted is particularly common in North American informal English. "Whacked out" is more context-dependent and may describe confusion, unusual behavior, intoxication, or intense excitement.
The past tense and past participle of "whack," meaning to strike sharply.
"The performer whacked the side of the drum with a padded mallet."
This form is normally informal, and the verb often appears in the idiomatic phrase "whack something on or into something," meaning to put or move it forcefully.
The same form that means "completely exhausted" is also the past tense of a word meaning "to strike hard."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whacked come from?
"Whacked" is the past tense and past participle of "whack" and also functions as a derived adjective. "Whack" dates back to the late sixteenth century and originally referred to a sharp or decisive blow; in adjectival use, "whacked" came to mean worn out or exhausted. The word was subsequently extended into expressions such as "whacked out," with meanings covering mental disturbance, intoxication, and altered behavior.
Related word forms
How whacked is actually used
This is predominantly informal language. The sense meaning exhausted is common in everyday North American English, while the meanings involving mental disturbance or intoxication are more context-dependent. It is normally avoided in formal or technical writing.
Easily confused with whacked
"Whack" names a sharp blow or the act of striking, whereas "whacked" usually means exhausted and can also be the past tense of "whack."