skelp

Definition

  1. Noun (Scottish):

    • A sharp slap or blow: "skelp" refers to a forceful hit, often with the open hand, typically delivered to the face or head.
    • The sound of such a blow: It can also denote the sharp, cracking noise produced by a slap.

  2. Verb (Scottish):

    • To strike with a sharp blow: The act of hitting someone or something with a quick, hard slap.
    • To move quickly or hurry: Used intransitively, meaning to go somewhere in a brisk or hurried manner.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The child received a skelp for misbehaving. (A sharp slap as punishment.)
    • He heard a skelp and then a cry. (The sound of a slap.)

  • Verb:

    • She skelped the table in frustration. (She struck the table with a sharp blow.)
    • He skelped down the street to catch the bus. (He hurried quickly along the street.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to give someone a skelp": to deliver a sharp slap as a reprimand or punishment.

    • The teacher gave the unruly student a skelp on the ear. (The teacher slapped the student's ear as a disciplinary action.)

  • "to skelp along": to move quickly and noisily, often with a sense of urgency.

    • The children skelped along the pavement, laughing. (The children hurried noisily down the pavement.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Skelping (adj): describing something that moves or strikes with a sharp, forceful motion.

    • A skelping wind blew through the town. (A strong, gusty wind.)

  • Skelper (n): a person who delivers a skelp; also, a fast-moving object or person.

    • He was known as a skelper when disciplining his dogs. (He was known for slapping his dogs.)
Synonyms
  • Slap: a quick, sharp blow with the open hand.
  • Smack: a sharp, loud blow, often used as a noun or verb.
  • Crack: a sharp, sudden sound or blow.
  • Hurry (verb sense): to move or act with speed.
Phrasal Verbs

  • Skelp off: to leave quickly or abruptly.

    • She skelped off before anyone could stop her. (She hurried away suddenly.)

  • Skelp out: to rush out of a place.

    • He skelped out of the room in anger. (He rushed out of the room angrily.)
Related Idioms

  • A skelp on the lug: a slap on the ear or side of the head (Scottish idiom).

    • The boy got a skelp on the lug for talking back. (He received a slap on the ear as punishment.)

  • Skelp and scold: a phrase describing a quick punishment followed by verbal reprimand.

    • The mother gave a skelp and scold for the broken vase. (She slapped and scolded the child.)