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used to describe a person who is feeling mentally disturbed or unbalanced
American
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "out of whack" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "out of whack" comes from the early 20th century. It refers to something being out of whack or alignment. The word "whack" in this context comes from the Scottish word "whack" meaning "blow" or "hit". This idiom indicates a person's psychology appears disturbed or unbalanced. Common signs may include feeling overly anxious, depressed, angry, or irrational. Their emotions could be difficult to control or thinking may seem nonsensical compared to the situation.
not corresponding to or agreeing with something else
AmericanIdiomInformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "out of whack" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "out of whack" is not definitively known, but it likely emerged from the idea of a mechanical device being misaligned or malfunctioning. The phrase is used to describe a state of disorder, imbalance, or dysfunction, wherein something is not functioning or operating as it should.
