slap dashing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, somewhat dated or ironic in modern use.
Quick answer
What does “slap dashing” mean?
Done hurriedly and carelessly, with more emphasis on speed or bold effect than on quality or accuracy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Done hurriedly and carelessly, with more emphasis on speed or bold effect than on quality or accuracy.
Refers to a manner of execution that is hasty, impetuous, and often showily confident but lacking in thoroughness or attention to detail. Can describe work, appearance, or behaviour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in British literary sources. American usage tends to prefer 'slapdash' as an adjective or 'haphazardly'. When used, it's often in historical or character-driven contexts.
Connotations
In British English, it may carry a slightly more whimsical or characterful connotation. In American English, it can sound more archaic or deliberately stylistic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher recognition in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “slap dashing” in a Sentence
do something slap dashingproceed in a slap dashing mannerwith slap dashing speedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slap dashing” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He painted the fence slap dashing, leaving streaks and missed spots.
- The report was written slap dashing to meet the deadline.
American English
- She assembled the furniture slap dashing, resulting in a wobbly bookcase.
- They proceeded slap dashing through the checklist, missing several key safety items.
adjective
British English
- His slap dashing repair held for a week before the shelf fell down again.
- She had a rather slap dashing approach to gardening, preferring wild blooms to neat borders.
American English
- The contractor's slap dashing work on the porch led to a costly do-over.
- He was known for his slap dashing charm, always rushing in with grand, imperfect plans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could critique a rushed project: 'The initial proposal was a bit slap dashing.'
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in literary criticism describing a character's actions or an author's style.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used for humorous or emphatic criticism of hurried work: 'He gave the car a slap dashing wash before the trip.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slap dashing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slap dashing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slap dashing”
- Using it as a standard adjective before a noun (*a slap dashing worker) – it's primarily adverbial. Confusing it with 'dashing' meaning handsome and stylish.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very closely related. 'Slapdash' is the standard adjective/adverb (a slapdash job, done slapdash). 'Slap dashing' is less common, often functioning as an adjective or adverb, and can feel more descriptive of an active manner or style.
Rarely. It typically judges the work as poor due to haste. However, in certain artistic or entrepreneurial contexts, it might be used to describe a refreshingly bold, non-fussy energy, though still implying a lack of refinement.
It is most commonly used as an adverb (e.g., 'work slap dashing') or as a qualitative adjective describing a noun of action (e.g., 'a slap dashing manner'). It is not typically used attributively before a simple object (*slap dashing painter).
No. It belongs to a literary, descriptive, or informal register. It would be out of place in technical, legal, or highly formal academic writing.
Done hurriedly and carelessly, with more emphasis on speed or bold effect than on quality or accuracy.
Slap dashing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌslæp ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌslæp ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slap dash and done”
- “a slap and a dash”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SLAPping paint on a wall and then DASHing away, leaving the job half-finished and messy.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS CAREFUL CONSTRUCTION / SPEED IS RECKLESS FORCE. The term maps the physical actions of hitting (slap) and running (dash) onto the domain of task completion, implying violence to detail in favour of speed.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'slap dashing' CORRECTLY?