Ham it up Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæm/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈəp
HAM-it-UP
hˈæm/ /ˈɪt/ /ˈʌp
HAM-it-UP
Definition
To perform or behave in an exaggerated, dramatic, or overly theatrical way, often for humorous effect.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and playful; often describes actors, children, or anyone exaggerating for fun. Common after 'really' or 'just' (e.g., 'He really hammed it up'). Usually positive or teasing, not a harsh criticism.
Spanish: sobreactuar - hacer un papelónPortuguese (BR): exagerar na atuação - fazer cenaPortuguese (PT): exagerar na atuação - fazer fitaChinese (Simplified): 夸张表演 - 装模作样Chinese (Traditional): 誇張演出 - 裝模作樣Hindi: अत्यधिक नाटक करना - नकली अभिनय करनाArabic: يبالغ في التمثيل - يتصنع المشاعرBengali: অতিনাটকীয় আচরণ করা - বাড়াবাড়ি করাRussian: переигрывать - изображать слишком театральноJapanese: 大げさに振る舞う - オーバーに演じるVietnamese: làm lố - diễn quáKorean: 과장되게 행동하다 - 오버하다Turkish: aşırı abartılı oynamak - aşırı teatral davranmakUrdu: ڈرامہ کرنا - ضرورت سے زیادہ ایکٹنگ کرناIndonesian: bertingkah berlebihan - bersandiwara secara dramatis
Example Sentences
The child likes to ham it up in front of the camera.
basic
He likes to ham it up when telling stories.
basic
The actor hammed it up during the play.
basic
Come on, don’t ham it up—just be yourself!
natural
You always ham it up whenever there’s an audience.
natural
The comedian loves to ham it up for laughs.
natural