The Hammy Old Days - Vocabulary Booster

Actors depend upon their ability to gesticulate almost as much as upon speech to obtain their desired histrionic effects. With them, gesture serves much more than merely augment speech. When their communication is by gesture alone, it is called pantomime. In the early silent motion picture period, gestures were flamboyant. The hero would go through the most fatuous actions to show that he was distraught about the danger in which the heroine had been placed. He would stagger, beat his breast, tear his hair, and contort his face into the most doleful appearance. There weren’t many simple or restrained gestures in his repertoire. The heroine would fling her arms wide and ardently jump into her sweetheart’s arm to indicate her love. Only much later did the actor become skilled enough to communicate with the audience through discreet gestures and almost imperceptible changes in facial expression, which could transmit nuances of emotion.

Short Explanation:

Depend upon: Depend upon means to rely or count on something or someone. It implies that the outcome or success of a situation is contingent on a particular factor or person.
Gesticulate: Gesticulate means to use gestures or body movements to express or emphasize something while speaking. It involves using hand, arm, or body motions to convey meaning or add emphasis to communication.
Obtain: Obtain means to acquire, gain, or get hold of something through effort or action. It suggests successfully obtaining or attaining a particular object, information, or result.
Desired: Desired refers to something that is wanted, wished for, or aspired to. It signifies a state of longing or having a strong preference for a particular outcome, object, or condition.
Histrionic: Histrionic describes behavior or expressions that are overly dramatic, exaggerated, or theatrical. It implies a tendency to display exaggerated emotions or engage in attention-seeking behavior.
Gesture: Gesture refers to a movement or action made with the body, especially the hands or face, to convey a message or express a feeling. It involves using non-verbal communication to communicate or convey meaning.
Augment: Augment means to increase, enlarge, or enhance something in size, quantity, or intensity. It suggests adding to or expanding something to make it larger, stronger, or more significant.
Fatuous: Fatuous means silly, foolish, or lacking intelligence. It describes something or someone that is devoid of good sense or judgment.
Distraught: Distraught describes a state of extreme agitation, anxiety, or mental distress. It implies being deeply upset or emotionally overwhelmed.
Heroine: Heroine refers to a female protagonist or main character in a literary work, film, or story. It signifies a woman who exhibits courage, strength, or noble qualities.
Stagger: Stagger means to walk, move, or stand unsteadily or with a wobbling motion. It suggests a lack of balance or coordination, often due to weakness, dizziness, or intoxication.
Contort: Contort means to twist, bend, or distort something out of its normal shape or position. It involves twisting or deforming something in an unnatural or unusual way.
Doleful: Doleful describes a state of sadness, sorrow, or mournfulness. It suggests a feeling of deep unhappiness or grief.
Repertoire: Repertoire refers to a collection or range of skills, abilities, or performances that a person or group is capable of. It signifies a set of works or performances that are known and regularly performed.
Ardently: Ardently means passionately, eagerly, or with great enthusiasm. It implies doing something with strong desire, intensity, or fervor.
Discreet: Discreet means showing good judgment, tact, or prudence in one’s actions or speech. It suggests being careful, cautious, or subtle to avoid causing offense or drawing attention.
Imperceptible: Imperceptible means impossible or difficult to perceive, detect, or notice. It suggests something that is extremely subtle, faint, or indistinguishable to the senses.

Note:

depend upon – berantung pada
gesticulate – menggerakan tangan
obtain – mendapatkan
desired – diinginkan
histrionic – munafik, berkenaan dengan drama
gesture – isyarat
augment – menambah, memperbesar
fatuous – bodoh, tolol, dungu
distraught – putus asa, bingung sekali
heroine – pahlawan wanita, srikandi
stagger – sempoyongan, terhuyung-huyung
contort – meliukan, memutarbalikan
doleful – murah, sedih, susah
repertoire – acara atau daftar lagu-lagu atau sandiwara
ardently – dengan semangat
discreet – bijaksana, berhati-hati
imperceptible – tidak terlihat atau terasa

“The Hammy Old Days” is a phrase that often refers to a time period when over-the-top acting and exaggerated performances were popular in theater, film, and television. The phrase “hammy” itself describes an actor or performance that is overly theatrical and exaggerated. Here are ten sentences to help clarify the meaning of “The Hammy Old Days”:

“The Hammy Old Days” often refers to a period of time from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s when theatrical performances were very dramatic.
During “The Hammy Old Days,” actors were encouraged to exaggerate their performances to entertain audiences.
Some of the most famous actors of “The Hammy Old Days” were known for their overly dramatic acting, including James Cagney and Bette Davis.
In the film “The Hammy Old Days” were characterized by exaggerated facial expressions, loud voices, and grandiose gestures.
“The Hammy Old Days” was a time when audiences appreciated over-the-top performances and saw them as a form of entertainment.
“hammy” is often used to describe actors who overact or deliver overly dramatic performances.
In modern times, “hammy” is still used to describe actors who overact or exaggerate their performances.
Some people still enjoy “hammy” performances and find them entertaining, while others prefer more naturalistic acting styles.
While “The Hammy Old Days” are generally considered a thing of the past, their influence can still be seen in modern film and theater.
“The Hammy Old Days” are often remembered fondly by those who appreciate the nostalgia and charm of old-fashioned entertainment.