ENGLISH
REFERENCE

slap

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈsɫæp// UK //slˈæp// slap Informal Slang

v. to be excellent or very high quality. You use this when you think a song, a meal, or a piece of art is really impressive.

v. to be exceptionally good, impressive, or effective. Informal in register; primarily used in contemporary slang to describe music, food, or creative works.


SIMPLE

This new song really slaps.

CONTEXTUAL

I didn't expect much from a fast-food burger, but this secret sauce really slaps.

COMPLEX

While the lyrics are somewhat repetitive, the heavy bass line and the crisp production make the entire track slap in a club environment.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English slappen, of uncertain origin, possibly imitative. Compare Low German Slappe (“slap”), whence also German Schlappe (“defeat”). Compare also Italian sleppa (“slap”).

Usage

Intransitive in this slang sense; it does not take a direct object.

Pitfall

This song slaps me.This song slaps.In its slang sense, the verb is intransitive and does not take an object; adding 'me' changes the meaning to physical hitting.

Idioms3 entries

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