Pronunciation: [hˈami] (IPA) 
The word "hammy" is spelled with two m's because the first syllable is stressed, and the vowel sound is the short "a" sound. This is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈhæmi/. The letter "y" at the end represents the sound /i/, which is similar to the "ee" sound in "see". "Hammy" is often used to describe overly theatrical or exaggerated acting, particularly in a way that is intended to be funny or entertaining.
Hammy is an adjective used to describe a person's or actor's exaggerated, over-the-top, and often artificial style of expressing emotions or performing. This term is widely associated with theatrical performances, particularly those that are melodramatic or flamboyant.
When applied to an actor, being hammy refers to their tendency to emphasize their gestures, deliver lines with exaggerated intonation, and display overly dramatic facial expressions. This style of acting often draws attention to the performer's techniques rather than conveying genuine emotions or portraying a natural character. While some may perceive this style as excessive or lacking subtlety, it can also be seen as an effective way of entertaining and engaging an audience through its sheer enthusiasm and larger-than-life portrayals.
Beyond the theatrical domain, being hammy can also extend to everyday conversations or situations. For instance, someone who constantly exaggerates their emotions, reacts dramatically to minor issues, or seeks constant attention could be considered hammy in their behavior.
The term "hammy" originated from the theater slang "ham actor," which referred to performers who were regarded as excessive or lacking in nuance. Eventually, "hammy" derived from this term and solidified itself as a descriptor for both actors and individuals who possess an exaggerated and ostentatious style of expression or behavior.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hammy" is derived from the term "ham actor" or "hamfatter", which originated in the late 19th century in American theatrical slang. "Ham" referred to an actor who excessively overacted or exaggerated their performance, particularly in a melodramatic or theatrical manner. It is believed that "ham" may have derived from the word "hamfatter", which was used to describe amateur or unskilled actors performing in rural areas.
Over time, the term "hammy" emerged as an adjective to describe such exaggerated and overly theatrical acting. It became a colloquial term to refer to performances that were seen as overly dramatic or overacted, typically in a self-conscious or exaggerated manner. The term eventually extended beyond the realm of theatrical acting and can now be applied to describe anyone who displays excessive or exaggerated behavior.
