whapper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, colloquial, archaic
Quick answer
What does “whapper” mean?
Something that is exceptionally large or impressive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that is exceptionally large or impressive.
An unusually large specimen of something; also used to describe a significant lie or exaggerated statement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively British. It is virtually unknown in contemporary American English, where 'whopper' (with an 'o') is the standard form.
Connotations
In BrE, it has a rustic, old-fashioned charm. In AmE, 'whopper' is familiar primarily as a brand name for a burger and as a term for a lie.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern BrE, archaic. Not used in standard AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “whapper” in a Sentence
a [noun] of a whapperwhat a whapper!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whapper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That's a whapper trout you've caught!
- He came out with a whapper lie about where he'd been.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only in very informal, often humorous British contexts, typically among older speakers.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whapper”
- Misspelling as 'whopper'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is common in AmE.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are variant spellings of the same informal word, but 'whopper' (with an 'o') is the dominant modern spelling, especially in American English. 'Whapper' is an older, chiefly British spelling.
It is very unusual to use 'whapper' to describe a person directly. It is typically used for objects, animals, or stories/lies (e.g., 'a whapper of a tale').
No. 'Whapper' is highly informal and dated. It should be avoided in all formal contexts, including academic and business writing.
Because the spelling 'whapper' (with an 'a') is not a standard lexical item in American English. The standard American term is 'whopper' /ˈwɑːpər/.
Something that is exceptionally large or impressive.
Whapper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɒpə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to tell a whapper (to tell a big lie)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fish that makes a WHAP! sound when it hits the water because it's so big – it's a WHAPper.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS IMPACT (a 'whapper' has the impact of a whacking blow).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'whapper' (with an 'a') primarily found?