Hooped: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 5, 2023

"Hooped" is a slang term that means in trouble, stuck, or doomed. It often describes a hopeless, complex, or unpleasant situation. For example, if someone has a lot of work and not enough time to finish it, they might say they are "hooped."

In short:

  • "Hooped" means in trouble, stuck, or doomed.

What Does "Hooped" Mean?

"Hooped" means to be in an unfortunate situation that seems difficult or impossible to overcome. It often describes a problem that is hopeless, complex, or unpleasant.

Where Does "Hooped" Come From?

The origin of "hooped" is unclear, but one possible theory is that it comes from the military slang term "hoop," a ring-shaped device used to attach a parachute to a harness. If a hoop breaks or malfunctions during a jump, the parachutist could be in serious trouble or even die. Therefore, being "hooped" could mean being in a life-threatening situation.

10 Examples of "Hooped" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • Oh, snap! I forgot to study for the exam. I'm hooped.
  • He lost his wallet and his phone at Mickey D's. He's hooped.
  • Holy cow. She found out that he cheated on her. He's hooped.
  • He got caught stealing from the store yesterday. He's hooped.
  • She got stuck in traffic on the way to the interview. She's hooped.
  • The car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Kack. We're hooped.
  • What can I say? The boss caught me sleeping on the job. I'm so hooped.
  • The project deadline is tomorrow, and we haven't started yet. We're hooped.
  • About last night, the storm knocked out the power. We're hooped without electricity.
  • That's too bad. She missed her flight and had to pay extra for another ticket. She's hooped.

Examples of "Hooped" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom appeared in popular culture:

  • In the TV show Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman tells Walter White: "I'm the bad guy." Walter says: "You're not the bad guy Jesse…" Jesse says: "I'm hooped, Mr. White…" Walter says: "You're not hooped, Jesse…" Jesse says: "I'm hooped, Mr. White…" Walter says: "You're not hooped, Jesse…"
  • In the 1995 film Clueless, Cher says, "I'm hooped," when she realizes she has a crush on her ex-stepbrother Josh.
  • In the 2006 novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Liesel says, "I'm hooped, aren't I?" when she is caught stealing a book from a Nazi book burning.
  • In the 2010 film Inception, Cobb says, "We're hooped," when he realizes they are stuck in limbo, a dream state where they can't wake up.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Hooped"

Here are some synonyms and related expressions for this idiom:

  • Toast
  • Screwed
  • Done for
  • In a bind
  • In a pickle
  • Out of luck
  • In deep shit
  • In hot water
  • In over your head
  • Up a creek without a paddle

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Hooped"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

  • What does "hooped" mean?

"Hooped" is a slang term that means in trouble, stuck, or doomed. It often describes a hopeless, complex, or unpleasant situation.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "hooped"?

The origin of "hooped" is unclear, but one possible theory is that it comes from the military slang term "hoop," a ring-shaped device used to attach a parachute to a harness. If a hoop breaks or malfunctions during a jump, the parachutist could be in serious trouble or even die. Therefore, being "hooped" could mean being in a life-threatening situation.

  • Is "hooped" a rude or offensive word?

No, most people do not consider "hooped" rude or offensive. It is a slang term used informally and casually among friends or acquaintances.

  • Is "hooped" an American or British expression?

"Hooped" is more commonly used in American English than British English. However, it is not exclusive to either dialect and can be understood by speakers of both varieties of English.

  • Can "hooped" be used as an adjective?

"Hooped" can be an adjective to describe someone or something in trouble, stuck, or doomed.

  • How do you pronounce "hooped"?

"Hooped" is pronounced as /huːpt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It rhymes with words like "scooped," looped," and "drooped."

  • What are some antonyms of "hooped"?

Some antonyms of "hooped" mean the opposite of being in trouble, stuck, or doomed. For example, "safe," "free," "lucky," "successful," or "happy."

  • Is "hooped" related to the word "hoopla"?

No, "hooped" and "hoopla" are not related. "Hoopla" is another slang term that means a lot of excitement or fuss about something.

  • Can you use "hooped" in a positive way?

No, you cannot use "hooped" in a positive way. It is always used to express a harmful or undesirable situation or outcome. There is no positive meaning or connotation for the idiom "hooped."

  • Can you use "hooped" in a formal context?

No, you cannot use "hooped" in a formal context. It is a slang term used informally and casually among friends or acquaintances. It is not appropriate for academic, professional, or official settings. You should avoid using it in formal writing or speech.

Final Thoughts About "Hooped"

The idiom "hooped" is a slang term that means being in trouble, stuck, or doomed. It often describes a hopeless, complex, or unpleasant situation.

Here are some key points to remember about this idiom:

  • It can be used as both an adjective and a verb.
  • It is not rude or offensive to most people.
  • It is more commonly used in American English than British English.
  • It cannot be used positively.
  • It cannot be used in a formal context.

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