slapping

A slapping breeze cools the sunbathers on the beach.

Definition

1. Noun (present participle of slap):

   • The act of striking with an open hand: "slapping" refers to the action of hitting someone or something with the flat part of the hand, often as a form of punishment or aggression.
   • A sharp, percussive sound: The sound produced by such a strike, or any similar sound (e.g., water slapping against a boat).

2. Adjective (informal, chiefly British):

   • Very fast, large, or excellent: "slapping" is used colloquially to describe something that is exceptionally quick, sizable, or impressive. This usage is rare and dialectal.

     • Example: a slapping pace (a very fast speed).
     • Example: a slapping meal (a very large or excellent meal).
   • Robust, vigorous, or well-built: Describes a person or thing that is strong, healthy, or physically imposing.

     • Example: a slapping great girl (a robust, well-built young woman).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The child's slapping of the table annoyed his parents. (The act of hitting the table with an open hand.)
  • The slapping of the waves against the hull kept us awake. (The sound of water hitting the boat.)

• Adjective (informal):

  • He walked at a slapping pace to catch the train. (A very fast walking speed.)
  • She served a slapping portion of stew to the hungry guests. (A very large serving.)
  • He was a slapping young man, broad-shouldered and strong. (Robust and well-built.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be slapping" (slang, modern): In contemporary informal English, particularly in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and youth culture, "slapping" can describe music that is exceptionally good, energetic, or catchy.

  • That new track is slapping! (The song is excellent and has a strong beat.)

• "slapping someone around": To physically assault someone repeatedly with slaps.

  • The bully was caught slapping the younger boy around. (Hitting him repeatedly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Slap (n/v): The base word; a sharp blow with the open hand or to deliver such a blow.

  • She gave him a slap on the cheek. (A single strike.)

• Slapdash (adj): Careless and hasty; done in a rushed, haphazard manner.

  • His slapdash work led to many errors. (His rushed, careless work.)

• Slapstick (n): Comedy based on deliberately clumsy actions and humorously violent events.

  • The movie relied on slapstick for laughs. (Physical comedy involving falls and hits.)

Synonyms

• Noun (act): smack, whack, cuff, spank.
• Adjective (informal): rapid (for speed), huge (for size), excellent (for quality), sturdy (for build).

Phrasal Verbs

• Slap down: To forcefully reject or suppress an idea or person.

  • The manager slapped down the proposal immediately. (Rejected it harshly.)

• Slap on: To apply something quickly or carelessly.

  • He slapped on some paint to cover the stain. (Applied hastily.)

Related Idioms

• A slap in the face: An insult or rejection that is deeply offensive.

  • Her criticism was a real slap in the face. (A hurtful insult.)

• A slap on the wrist: A mild punishment or reprimand.

  • He got a slap on the wrist for the minor offense. (A very light penalty.)