humdinger

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformalapproving

   An unusually good, exciting or impressive example of something.

   Grammar: Usually used with a: a humdinger of a game.

   Patterns

   • a humdinger of a something

   Last night's match was a humdinger that went into extra time.

   She told a humdinger of a story about her trip to Peru.

   That was a real humdinger of a goal.

2. 2nouncountableinformalhumorous

   Something extreme in size or force, such as a storm, argument or mistake.

   Grammar: Can describe unpleasant things too: a humdinger of a headache.

   Patterns

   • a humdinger of a something

   We had a humdinger of an argument over the bill.

   I woke up with a humdinger of a headache.

   The storm last night was a humdinger.

Word forms

Common combinations

a humdinger of a

It was a humdinger of a final, decided in the last minute.

real humdinger

The comedy was a real humdinger from start to finish.

a humdinger of a game

Fans enjoyed a humdinger of a game on Saturday.

humdinger of a storm

A humdinger of a storm knocked out the power.

absolute humdinger

His joke was an absolute humdinger.

Synonyms and how they differ

corker

Corker is another British informal word for an excellent thing, and it is a little more old-fashioned than humdinger.

beauty

Beauty used for a thing is a milder informal compliment, while humdinger suggests something striking and lively.

cracker

Cracker is British slang for something excellent, and works mainly as praise, while humdinger can also describe something intense.

whopper

Whopper focuses on large size, especially of lies or fish, while humdinger focuses on being remarkable.

Opposites

Word family

hum verb

to make a low continuous sound

ding noun

the sound of a bell or a dent

humdrum adjective

boring and ordinary, unlike a humdinger

Commonly confused: humdinger or humdrum?

Practice

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