boomshakalaka

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Uncertain, but likely from the filler syllables boom-laka-laka-laka in the lyrics to the song “I Want to Take You Higher” (1969) by Sly and the Family Stone, which appeared as the corruption boom-shaka-laka-laka in subsequent covers; the modern shortened form boomshakalaka, as an apparent reference to “I Want to Take You Higher”, appeared in the military comedy film Stripes (1981). From there, a scriptwriter for the video game NBA Jam (1993) adopted it as onomatopoeic for a slam dunk in lines voiced by Tim Kitzrow, popularizing its use.

Interjection

boomshakalaka

  1. (slang) An exclamation expressing dominance, excitement, joy, or triumph.

Noun

boomshakalaka (plural boomshakalakas)

  1. (slang) The sound of a slam dunk and the board or chain rattling that follows.
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