whale on

The slang phrase "whale on" conveys intense and repeated physical or verbal aggression.

Definition

B2Physical Confrontation

(informal)To hit someone repeatedly and with great force.

Example

  • During the fight, he whaled on his opponent until the referee intervened.

B2General Use

(informal)To strike something vigorously and repeatedly.

Example

  • He whaled on the punching bag to release his frustration.

B2Verbal Confrontation

(informal)To criticize someone harshly and continuously.

Example

  • The coach whaled on the team for their poor performance.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "whale on":

black whalewhale's tailwhale tailwhite whalesperm whale