double whammy

[duhb-uhl wam-ee, hwam-ee]

noun

Informal.

1. two devastating problems, setbacks, or catastrophes.

   The double whammy of insomnia and sleep apnea can make a night's rest almost impossible.

2. any doubled quantity or set of two.

   Visiting the sandwich shop and the ice cream shop makes a delightful savory-sweet double whammy for lunch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of double whammy¹

First recorded in 1935–40