slap
pronunciation
How to pronounce slap in British English:
UK [slæp]
How to pronounce slap in American English:
US [slæp]
-
- Noun:
- a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
- the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
-
- Verb:
- hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand
-
- Adverb:
- directly
Word Origin
- slap (v.)
- late 15c., "strike with the open hand," from slap (n.). As an adverb, 1670s, "suddenly;" 1829, "directly." Related: Slapped; slapping.
- slap (n.)
- mid-15c., probably of imitative origin, similar to Low German slappe, German Schlappe. Figurative meaning "insult, reprimand" is attested from 1736. Slap-happy (1936) originally meant "punch-drunk." Slap on the wrist "very mild punishment" dates from 1914.
Example
- 1. Though they burst into the workforce with expectations of fun and fulfilment ( leading employers to grouse about their sense of entitlement ) , they have been delivered a slap by the recession .
- 2. The manipulator label would be a symbolic slap .
- 3. The idea that teens need to be encouraged to slap the clown or rock the little man in the boat is bizarre .
- 4. Many thought that mrs clinton 's announcement was a slap in the face to turkey and brazil .
- 5. As for trade , one of his first acts as president would be to indict beijing for " currency manipulation " and slap duties on chinese imports .