slapp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low, very infrequentInformal, slang, or technical/legal (for the acronym). Not used in formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “slapp” mean?
Informal verb and noun primarily referring to a dismissive or superficial action, often connected to light, careless striking or rejecting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal verb and noun primarily referring to a dismissive or superficial action, often connected to light, careless striking or rejecting.
As a back-formation from "slap," it can imply a quick, effortless, or sometimes symbolic act of dismissal, rejection, or light impact. In specific contexts, it is associated with legal acronyms like SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against public participation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally marginal in both varieties. The legal term "SLAPP suit" is recognized in legal circles in both regions but is not general vocabulary.
Connotations
As a non-standard form, it carries connotations of informality, carelessness, or jargon.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency everywhere; essentially non-existent in core vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “slapp” in a Sentence
[Someone] slapps [something/someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slapp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just slapp'd the file on the desk and walked out.
- Don't slapp the controller like that, you'll break it.
American English
- She slapp'd a 'rejected' stamp on the application.
- I'm gonna slapp some butter on this toast.
adverb
British English
- (No standard usage)
- (No standard usage)
American English
- (No standard usage)
- (No standard usage)
adjective
British English
- It was a slapp-dash attempt at repair.
- (No standard usage)
American English
- They filed a slapp-happy lawsuit to intimidate critics.
- (No standard usage)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in specific legal/political science discussions about "SLAPP suits."
Everyday
Virtually never used; if used, it's a deliberate misspelling/variant of 'slap' for playful or stylistic effect.
Technical
Refers specifically to "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slapp”
- Using "slapp" in formal writing.
- Assuming "slapp" is the standard spelling of the verb 'to slap.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in standard dictionaries. It is either a non-standard variant of 'slap' or the acronym SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation).
No. It is informal/non-standard. Use the standard word 'slap' or, if relevant, fully explain the term 'SLAPP suit.'
A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation is a lawsuit intended to silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense.
No. In the rare instances 'slapp' is used, it is pronounced identically to 'slap' (/slæp/).
Informal verb and noun primarily referring to a dismissive or superficial action, often connected to light, careless striking or rejecting.
Slapp is usually informal, slang, or technical/legal (for the acronym). not used in formal contexts. in register.
Slapp: in British English it is pronounced /slæp/, and in American English it is pronounced /slæp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SLAPP' as a 'SLAP' with an extra 'P' for 'public participation' or just being playful.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / DISMISSAL IS A PHYSICAL BLOW (for the legal sense: silencing criticism through legal force).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'slapp' as a recognized term?