slapshot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized (Sports), Informal (Metaphorical)
Quick answer
What does “slapshot” mean?
A forceful shot in ice hockey made by swinging the stick back and then striking the puck with a sweeping motion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A forceful shot in ice hockey made by swinging the stick back and then striking the puck with a sweeping motion.
A term sometimes used metaphorically to describe a forceful, often improvised or crude, action or attempt in non-hockey contexts. In some technical fields (e.g., physics, engineering), it can informally refer to an impulsive or high-energy impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is identical. The single-word spelling 'slapshot' is less common than 'slap shot' in formal hockey literature in both regions, but appears in brand names, informal commentary, and some dictionaries as a variant.
Connotations
No significant regional connotative differences. Understood by sports fans in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more likely to be encountered in North American media due to hockey's prominence, but the term itself is not regionally restricted.
Grammar
How to Use “slapshot” in a Sentence
[Player] took a slapshot[Player] fired a slapshot [into/past/at] [Goalie/Net]A slapshot from [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slapshot” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The defender's slapshot was tipped in for a goal.
- He's known for having the hardest slapshot in the league.
American English
- She wound up for a massive slapshot from the blue line.
- The goalie never saw the slapshot coming through traffic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical, humorous use: 'His presentation was a real slapshot—lots of energy but poorly aimed.'
Academic
Virtually nonexistent outside of sports science or physics papers describing impact mechanics.
Everyday
Limited to ice hockey discussions or metaphorical extensions among familiar company.
Technical
Standard term in ice hockey coaching, commentary, and analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slapshot”
- Confusing 'slapshot' with 'wrist shot' (a different technique).
- Using it as a general synonym for any hard hit.
- Misspelling as two words ('slap shot') or hyphenated ('slap-shot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are used. 'Slap shot' (two words) is more common in formal hockey writing, while 'slapshot' (one word) is a widely accepted variant found in dictionaries and used informally, especially in product names or headlines.
No, it is strictly a noun. The verb phrase is 'to take a slapshot' or 'to fire a slapshot'. One does not 'slapshot the puck' in standard usage.
A slapshot involves a full wind-up where the stick strikes the ice behind the puck to load energy. A wrist shot uses a quicker, snapping motion from the wrists and forearms with the puck starting on the blade, offering more accuracy but less power.
Its core meaning is specific to ice hockey (and similar sports like bandy or roller hockey). It sees occasional, informal metaphorical use to describe any forceful, often unrefined action (e.g., 'a slapshot approach to problem-solving').
A forceful shot in ice hockey made by swinging the stick back and then striking the puck with a sweeping motion.
Slapshot is usually specialized (sports), informal (metaphorical) in register.
Slapshot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslæp.ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslæp.ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a slapshot at something (metaphorical): to make a crude or forceful attempt.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound: SLAP (the stick hits the ice behind the puck) + SHOT (the puck is propelled). It's a slapping shot.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCE IS A POWERFUL STRIKE; A CRUDE ATTEMPT IS A HOCKEY SHOT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a slapshot in hockey?