boomshakalaka
(slang) An exclamation expressing dominance, excitement, joy, or triumph.
ˈbuːmˌʃɑkəˌlɑkəDocumented since 1960s1960sGen Xhistorical290 viewsLast reviewed Sep 6, 2026＋ Add a definition
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Born ~1969 · no dated citations yetBoomer / counterculture eraSee decade cohort →
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#1·Apr 26, 2026
(slang) An exclamation expressing dominance, excitement, joy, or triumph.
Origin: , 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 for a slam dunk in lines voiced by Tim Kitzrow, popularizing its use. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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#2·Apr 26, 2026
(slang) The sound of a slam dunk and the board or chain rattling that follows.
Cluster: general
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Other words near "boomshakalaka" (B)
Boomersboomer shooterboomersplainboo modeboom offboom pipeboomshankaboomslangboomstickboondockboondockerboondoggle
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