slap
B1neutral-to-informal
Definition
Meaning
a quick blow or smack with the flat of the hand or something flat, making a sharp sound.
1) to strike quickly and sharply with something flat; 2) to put or apply something quickly, carelessly, or forcefully; 3) a direct, forceful criticism or reprimand; 4) (informal) an amount of money paid, especially a fine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a lack of deliberation, a sense of speed, and a sharp, percussive sound. The physical meaning is central, but metaphorical extensions (e.g., slap on the wrist) are common. Can denote casual, even careless, application (e.g., slap on some paint).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The slang term 'slap' meaning 'excellent' (e.g., 'That tune is slap') is more common in UK youth slang. The idiom 'a slap in the face' is universal, but 'a slap on the back' (for congratulations) might be slightly more frequent in AmE.
Connotations
Largely identical. Both strongly associate it with physical punishment, insult, or sudden action. The verb can have a playful connotation in very specific contexts (e.g., slapping someone on the back).
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects in its core meanings. The verb form may be slightly more frequent in AmE collocations like 'slap together' (to make hastily).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVOO: He slapped her the report. (rare, informal)SVOA: She slapped the paint onto the wall.SVO: The teacher slapped the desk.SVO+A (with instrument): He slapped me with his glove.Passive: He was slapped for his insolence.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a slap in the face (an insult/rejection)”
- “a slap on the wrist (a mild punishment)”
- “a slap on the back (congratulations)”
- “slap and tickle (British, old-fashioned: playful sexual activity)”
- “slap-bang (directly, suddenly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new regulations were a slap in the face for the industry.' 'They got a slap on the wrist from the regulator.'
Academic
Rare in formal text. May appear in literary analysis (e.g., 'the slap of fate') or sociological texts on punishment.
Everyday
Very common: physical actions, metaphorical insults, casual application. 'Don't slap your brother!' 'I'll just slap some butter on the bread.'
Technical
Used in acoustics/physics to describe a type of impulsive sound. In dentistry, 'slap articulation' is a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She threatened to slap him if he told another dreadful pun.
- He slapped a £50 note on the counter and demanded service.
- The waves were slapping against the hull of the little boat.
American English
- I'm going to slap a coat of primer on that wall before lunch.
- The judge slapped him with the maximum fine.
- He slapped his friend on the back after they won the game.
adverb
British English
- He ran slap into the manager while leaving early. (meaning: directly)
- The car stopped slap bang in the middle of the junction.
American English
- The budget cuts hit our department slap in the middle of the project.
adjective
British English
- It was a slap-up meal at the local pub. (meaning: lavish)
- The door shut with a slap bang. (as part of compound 'slap-bang')
American English
- (Adjectival use is rare outside compounds like 'slap-happy' or 'slap-shot' in ice hockey.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mother gave a gentle slap to the child's hand.
- The book fell slap on the floor.
- It felt like a slap in the face when they didn't invite me.
- He slapped the money down angrily.
- The government's response was seen as a mere slap on the wrist for the powerful corporation.
- She slapped the data together into a presentation just minutes before the meeting.
- The critic's review delivered a stinging slap to the director's pretentious new film.
- The new evidence landed slap in the centre of the prosecution's flawed timeline.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound and action of a SLAP: it's Sharp, Loud, And Painful.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/INSULT IS A PHYSICAL BLOW ('His comments were a real slap in the face.'); HASTY ACTION IS A CARELESS BLOW ('They slapped the proposal together in an hour.'); APPLYING IS HITTING ('Slap on some sunscreen.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить "шлёпать" (to walk making a slapping sound) как "to slap". Это 'to shuffle'.
- "Slap" обычно подразумевает удар ладонью, а не кулаком (fist) или предметом.
- В значении 'штраф' (slap with a fine) это очень неформально.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'slap on his face' (correct: 'slap him on the face' or 'a slap on his face').
- Using 'slap' for a planned, powerful punch (use 'punch' or 'strike').
- Confusing 'slap' (verb/noun) with 'slap' (adjective/adverb in 'slap-bang').
Practice
Quiz
In informal British English, if a song 'is slap', it means the song is:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often associated with punishment or insult, it can be playful (a slap on the back) or describe a neutral, sharp sound (waves slapping).
'Slap' uses an open hand. 'Punch' uses a closed fist. 'Hit' is the general, neutral term for striking.
Yes. 'The rain slapped against the window.' 'He slapped the suitcase onto the bed.' It emphasizes the flat contact and sound.
It's an adjective meaning done hastily and carelessly, derived from the idea of 'slapping' things down without care.