slap
slap Lexical Profile
slap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A quick, sharp blow delivered with the open hand or a flat object, or the sharp sound produced by such an impact.
"We could hear the rhythmic slap of the waves against the wooden pier."
A sharp rebuke, insult, or stinging rejection.
"Being passed over for the promotion felt like a stinging slap to the dedicated manager."
British Cosmetics or theatrical makeup applied to the face.
"The actors were in the dressing room putting on their slap before the curtain rose."
• verb
To strike sharply with the open hand or a flat object.
"He laughed and slapped his friend jovially on the back."
To put, place, or apply something quickly, carelessly, or forcefully onto a surface.
"She slapped a fresh coat of paint onto the garden fence before the rain started."
To impose a fine, penalty, or legal restriction suddenly or forcefully.
"The regulatory board slapped a hefty fine on the corporation for environmental violations."
To be exceptionally good, impressive, or enjoyable (especially of music with a strong bassline or food).
"The new album from that indie band really slaps."
• adverb
Suddenly, directly, or with great force, as if with a sharp impact.
"The runaway cart ran slap into the garden wall."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern slang, the intransitive verb 'slap' (meaning to be exceptionally good, initially describing music with a heavy beat) is frequently used for food, art, or entertainment.
• Rhymes for slap
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the mid-17th century, likely borrowed from Low German 'slapp', which is ultimately imitative of the sound of a flat impact.