The phrase "puts the whammy on" means to jinx someone or to bring bad luck. The word "whammy" is spelled with the /wæ/ sound at the beginning, which is similar to the word "web" or "wake". The "a" sound is pronounced as /æ/ like in "bat" or "cat". The last syllable is pronounced with a /i/ sound, like the word "me" or "bee". The spelling of this phrase may seem non-intuitive and may require some practice to perfect.
"Putting the whammy on" is an idiomatic phrase that originated in American English and is commonly used in informal speech. It refers to the act of casting a spell, jinx, or some form of supernatural curse on someone or something, with the intention of causing misfortune or bad luck.
The phrase "puts the whammy on" is often employed in a playful or lighthearted manner to describe someone's belief or suspicion that another person or object has been cursed or that a series of unfortunate events has been set in motion. It implies a belief in the power of supernatural influence to negatively affect the outcome of a situation.
Additionally, "puts the whammy on" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone or something having a detrimental or negative impact on a person's luck or success. For example, if a person continually encounters setbacks or failures in their endeavors, they may feel that a certain circumstance or individual "puts the whammy on" their progress.
Overall, "puts the whammy on" conveys the idea of superstitious beliefs and the potential for supernatural forces or a hex to influence an outcome. However, it is important to note that the phrase is often used figuratively or colloquially and does not hold any genuine magical or spellcasting connotation.