sockdolager

1. (US, dated, slang) A hard hit, a knockout or finishing blow, or conclusive argument.
2. (US, dated, slang) Something large or otherwise exceptional; a whopper.
3. (US) A combination of two hooks which close upon each other, by means of a spring, as soon as the fish bites.

Pronounced as (IPA)

[ˌsɑk.ˈdɑːɫ.ə.d͡ʒɚ]

Etymology

Unknown, 1827 US, presumably fanciful variant of sock (“to hit”); compare contemporary fanciful American coinages.
Various speculative etymologies have been suggested, such as corruption of doxology, due to this occurring at the end of church worship, hence “finality”.

Synonyms

bombshell

finisher

ripsnorter

sensation

spanker

stunt

socksologer

Translations

coup décisif

sensatio

opstopper

sensacja