ham

ham something up

Fig. to make a performance seem silly by showing off or exaggerating one's part. (A show-off actor is known as a ham.) Come on, Bob. Don't ham it up! The play was going fine until Bob got out there and hammed up his part.

See also: up

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ham-fisted  (British) also ham-handed (American)

1. lacking skill with the hands I hoped you weren't watching my ham-fisted attempts to get the cake out of the tin.

2. lacking skill in the way that you deal with people The report criticizes the ham-fisted way in which complaints are dealt with.

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ham it up

to show expressions or emotions more obviously than is realistic Here's a picture of Philip hamming it up for grandma when he was only three.

Usage notes: usually said about expressions made to amuse others

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of ham (an actor who performs with very obvious emotions and expressions)

See also: up