hamvraag

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Dutch

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Etymology

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From ham (ham) +‎ vraag (question). The term originated from the 1950s Dutch radio quiz Mastklimmen, in which contestants received a ham as the final prize.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈɦɑm.vraːx/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: ham‧vraag

Noun

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hamvraag f (plural hamvragen, diminutive hamvraagje n)

  1. million-dollar question (the final, critical or most important question, the crux)
    • 2004, Yvonne Keuls, Familiegedoe, Ambo:
      ‘De hamvraag is natuurlijk: is hij gevaarlijk?’ poneert meneer Mercedes.
      "Of course the million-dollar question is: is he dangerous?" states Mr. Mercedes.