slap

¹

[ slap ]

noun

1. a sharp blow or smack, especially with the open hand or with something flat.
2. a sound made by or as if by such a blow or smack:

   the slap of the waves against the dock.

3. a sharply worded or sarcastic rebuke or comment.

verb (used with object)

, slapped, slap·ping.

1. to strike sharply, especially with the open hand or with something flat.
2. to bring (the hand, something flat, etc.) with a sharp blow against something.
3. to dash or cast forcibly:

   He slapped the package against the wall.

4. to put or place promptly and sometimes haphazardly (often followed by on ):

   The officer slapped a ticket on the car. He slapped mustard on the sandwich.

adverb

1. Informal. directly; straight; smack:

   The tug rammed slap into the side of the freighter.

verb phrase

1. 1. to subdue, especially by a blow or by force; suppress.
   2. to reject, oppose, or criticize sharply:

      to slap down dissenting voices.

slap

²

[ slap ]

noun

1. a gap or opening, as in a fence, wall, cloud bank, or line of troops.
2. a mountain pass.
3. a wound or gash.

verb (used with object)

, slapped, slap·ping.

1. to make a gap or opening in; breach.

slap

/ slæp /

noun

1. a sharp blow or smack, as with the open hand, something flat, etc
2. the sound made by or as if by such a blow
3. a sharp rebuke; reprimand
4. a bit of slap and tickle or slap and tickle informal.
   sexual play
5. a slap in the face
   an insult or rebuff
6. a slap on the back
   congratulation
7. a slap on the wrist
   a light punishment or reprimand

verb

1. tr to strike (a person or thing) sharply, as with the open hand or something flat
2. tr to bring down (the hand, something flat, etc) sharply
3. whenintr, usually foll by against to strike (something) with or as if with a slap
4. informal.
   tr to apply in large quantities, haphazardly, etc

   she slapped butter on the bread

5. slap on the back
   to congratulate

adverb

1. exactly; directly

   slap on time

2. forcibly or abruptly

   to fall slap on the floor

Derived Forms

• ˈslapper, noun

Other Words From

• slapper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slap¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Low German slapp(e); of expressive origin

Origin of slap²

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English slop(e) “inroad made into enemy ranks,” from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German; cognate with German Schlupf “hiding place”

Word History and Origins

Origin of slap¹

C17: from Low German slapp, German Schlappe, of imitative origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. slap on the wrist, relatively mild criticism or censure:

   He got away with a slap on the wrist.

Synonym Study

See blow ¹.

Example Sentences

“Instead, they got a former World Wrestling Entertainment executive. This is embarrassing and a slap in the face to our nation’s talented educators.”

From Los Angeles Times

Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio says, “The election was a real slap in the face to the governor and Legislature — telling them that they are completely out of touch with the voters regarding crime.”

From Los Angeles Times

We read far too much into body language and demeanour, can be swayed by a slap at a weigh-in or live in a fantasy land powered by nostalgia.

From BBC

With a slap at the weigh-in and then a stale performance in the ring, many observers have questioned the legitimacy of the contest.

From BBC

In a fight week dominated by the controversial main event, with Paul's foul language and Tyson slapping his opponent, Taylor and Serrano conducted themselves professionally and showcased the best side of the sport.

From BBC

Related Words

• blip
• blow
• pat
• punch
• whack