oomph

English

Noun

oomph (countable and uncountable; plural oomphs)

1. (informal, uncountable) Strength, power, passion or effectiveness; clout.

   Use a mild cleanser, but pick something with enough oomph to do the job.

   • 1982, Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe and Everything, chapter 30

     "Yes, well they're finding it difficult, sir. They are afflicted with a certain lassitude. They're just finding it hard to get behind the job. They lack oomph."

2. (informal, uncountable) sex appeal
   • 1974, John le Carré, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, chapter 28

     'Come to think of it, the girl looked a bit like Ann,' Jerry reflected. 'Foxy, know what I mean? Garbo eyes, lots of oomph.'

3. (countable) A bassy grunting or thudding sound.

Synonyms

• welly

Translations

• Spanish: garra f., marcha f. (Spain)