Browse all

hulk out

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

Suddenly get extremely angry and lose control of yourself, often becoming aggressive.

Literal meaning: To transform and behave like the Hulk — a pop-culture metaphor.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To suddenly become extremely angry and lose emotional control, often in a way that frightens or shocks others.

"He completely hulked out when he found out someone had scratched his car."

2 B2 idiomatic slang

To channel extreme intensity or physical power, sometimes used humorously about intense exercise.

"She totally hulked out at the gym today — I've never seen anyone lift that much."

Usage notes

Derives from the Marvel Comics and film character Bruce Banner/The Hulk, who transforms into a giant green monster when enraged. Used humorously or seriously to describe someone's explosive temper. Common in pop-culture-influenced casual speech, particularly among younger speakers.

Commonly used with

anger rage gym game traffic meeting

Forms

Base
hulk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hulks out
he/she/it
Past simple
hulked out
yesterday
Past participle
hulked out
have + pp
-ing form
hulking out
continuous

Understand "hulk out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

freak out flip out lose it go ballistic blow up lose one's temper

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "hulk out" on Looplines