boomerang
boomerang Lexical Profile
boomerang Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A curved wooden throwing club traditionally used by Australian Aboriginal people, aerodynamically designed to return to the thrower's hand when thrown correctly.
"The guide demonstrated how to hold the boomerang to ensure it would arc back to him over the open field."
A plan, action, or statement that unexpectedly rebounds and harms its originator instead of its intended target.
"The aggressive advertising campaign proved to be a boomerang, alienating their core demographic rather than attracting new customers."
• verb
To return unexpectedly and cause harm to the originator; to backfire.
"Her attempt to sabotage her colleague's project boomeranged when the manager discovered her deliberate interference."
To return or travel in a curved path, returning to the point of origin.
"The stray dog boomeranged back to the porch after chasing a squirrel halfway down the street."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into English in the early 19th century from an Aboriginal language of New South Wales, Australia, most likely Dharug 'bumarriñ'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.