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."
hulk out
B2 informal intransitive
To suddenly lose control and become extremely angry or physically aggressive, like the Marvel character the Hulk.
In plain English
Suddenly get extremely angry and lose control of yourself, often becoming aggressive.
What does "hulk out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To transform and behave like the Hulk — a pop-culture metaphor.
Actually means
Suddenly get extremely angry and lose control of yourself, often becoming aggressive.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "hulk out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
anger rage gym game traffic meeting
How to conjugate "hulk out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hulk out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hulk out"
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