Difference Wiki

Slap vs. Smack

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 22, 2023
Slap refers to a sharp blow with an open hand, while smack can be a sharp blow with a part of the hand or refer to a distinct flavor or taste.

Key Differences

The perception and depiction of a slap often involve notions of insult and humiliation, given its association with striking the face, an action packed with symbolic meaning. Smack, on the other hand, is more flexible, describing a physical action, a sound, or a flavor, adding a layer of versatility to its usage, which isn’t as prevalent in the term slap.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
A slap is a form of a strike characterized by using an open hand, which distinguishes it from a fist. It is often considered disrespectful and offensive. The word smack, when used as a verb referring to striking, can be synonymous with slap, but it also has additional meanings, such as a distinctive taste or flavor in food, suggesting a multifaceted usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
When considering the audial aspect, a slap typically produces a sharp, distinctive sound due to the open hand making contact, while the sound associated with a smack is often perceived as louder and more resonant, possibly due to its flexibility in describing different kinds of impacts.
Samantha Walker
Sep 22, 2023
Lastly, the contextual range of smack is significantly broader. Its relevance in culinary contexts, describing a hint or trace of flavor, illustrates its multifunctionality. This makes smack a more versatile term in comparison to slap, which primarily denotes a specific physical action.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
The slap is generally associated with the act of striking one's face with an open hand, typically delivering a sharp, stinging blow. A smack can also refer to a strike, usually implying a louder, more forceful impact, but the smack's applicability extends beyond a physical blow to describing tastes, symbolizing the broadness of its semantic field.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

A sharp blow delivered with an open hand.
A sharp blow or a distinct taste or flavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Associated Sound

Produces a sharp, distinctive sound.
Associated with a louder, more resonant sound.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Context of Usage

Primarily refers to a physical action of striking with the open hand.
Used in various contexts, to describe an action, a sound, or a flavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Part of Speech

Can be used as a noun or a verb.
Can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Impact

Associated with a stinging, less forceful blow.
Implies a possibly louder, more forceful impact.
Samantha Walker
Sep 22, 2023

Slap and Smack Definitions

Slap

A quick, abrupt application.
She applied a slap of paint to the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

A taste or flavor, especially a trace of it.
The sauce had a smack of garlic and herbs.
Samantha Walker
Sep 22, 2023
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Slap

A sudden impact or sound.
The slap of the wave against the boat was loud.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

A loud kiss.
She gave her grandson a loud smack on the cheek.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023

Slap

An act of striking with an open hand.
The slap was so sudden that it left everyone in shock.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

To press together and open (the lips) quickly and noisily, as in eating or tasting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

A reprimand or rebuke.
The demotion felt like a slap in the face.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

To kiss noisily.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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Slap

A sharp blow made with the open hand or with a flat object; a smack.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To strike sharply and with a loud noise.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

The sound of such a blow.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To make or give a smack.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

A sharp insult
A slap to one's pride.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To collide sharply and noisily
The ball smacked against the side of the house.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To strike with the palm of the hand or a flat object
Slapped him in the face.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To have a distinctive flavor or taste. Used with of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To cause to strike forcefully and loudly
"He took a clipping from his wallet and slapped it on the bar" (Nathanael West).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To give an indication; be suggestive. Often used with of
"an agenda that does not smack of compromise" (Time).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To put or place quickly or carelessly
Slapped butter on a bagel.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

The loud sharp sound of smacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To subject to a legal obligation, such as a fine or court order
Slapped him with a speeding ticket.
Slapped her with a lawsuit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A noisy kiss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To impose (a legal obligation) on someone
The judge slapped an additional fine on the unruly defendant.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A sharp blow or slap.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To strike or beat with the force and sound of a slap
Waves slapping against the raft.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A distinctive flavor or taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

Directly and with force
Drove slap into the guardrail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A suggestion or trace.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(countable) A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.
He gave me a friendly slap on the back as a sign of camaraderie.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A small amount; a smattering.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(countable) A sharp percussive sound like that produced by such a blow.
The slap of my feet on the bathroom tiles
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A fishing boat sailing under various rigs, according to size, and often having a well used to transport the catch to market.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

The percussive sound produced in slap bass playing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Heroin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

Makeup; cosmetics.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

With a smack
Fell smack on her head.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

An eye-catching sticker used in street art.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Directly
"We were smack in the middle of another controversy about a public man's personal life" (Ellen Goodman).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(transitive) To give a slap to.
She slapped him in response to the insult.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A distinct flavor, especially if slight.
Rice pudding with a smack of cinnamon
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(transitive) To cause something to strike soundly.
He slapped the reins against the horse's back.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A slight trace of something; a smattering.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(intransitive) To strike soundly against something.
The rain slapped against the window-panes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Heroin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To be excellent.
The band's new single slaps.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

(Northern England) A form of fried potato; a scallop.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

(transitive) To place, to put carelessly.
We'd better slap some fresh paint on that wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A small sailing vessel, commonly rigged as a sloop, used chiefly in the coasting and fishing trade and often called a fishing smack
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To impose a penalty, etc. on (someone).
I was slapped with a parking fine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A group of jellyfish.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To play slap bass on (an instrument).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A sharp blow; a slap. See also: spank.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

Exactly, precisely
He tossed the file down slap in the middle of the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

The sound of a loud kiss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

A blow, esp. one given with the open hand, or with something broad.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A quick, sharp noise, as of the lips when suddenly separated, or of a whip.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

To strike with the open hand, or with something broad.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

(transitive) To get the flavor of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

With a sudden and violent blow; hence, quickly; instantly; directly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

(intransitive) To have a particular taste; used with of.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

A blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

(intransitive) To indicate or suggest something; used with of.
Her reckless behavior smacks of pride.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

The act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To slap or hit someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

Hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand;
The impatient teacher slapped the student
A gunshot slapped him on the forehead
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To make a smacking sound.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

Directly;
He ran bang into the pole
Ran slap into her
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

(especially outside of North America) To strike a child (usually on the buttocks) as a form of discipline. (normal U.S. and Canadian term spank)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Slap

A sharp blow made by an open hand.
He received a slap on the cheek for his rude comment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

To wetly separate the lips, making a noise, after tasting something or in expectation of a treat.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To kiss with a close compression of the lips, so as to make a sound when they separate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

As if with a smack or slap; smartly; sharply.
Right smack bang in the middle.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A small sailing vessel, commonly rigged as a sloop, used chiefly in the coasting and fishing trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Taste or flavor, esp. a slight taste or flavor; savor; tincture; as, a smack of bitter in the medicine. Also used figuratively.
So quickly they have taken a smack in covetousness.
They felt the smack of this world.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A small quantity; a taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A loud kiss; a buss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A quick, sharp noise, as of the lips when suddenly separated, or of a whip.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A quick, smart blow; a slap.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A slang term for heroin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

As if with a smack or slap.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To have a smack; to be tinctured with any particular taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To have or exhibit indications of the presence of any character or quality.
All sects, all ages, smack of this vice.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To kiss with a close compression of the lips, so as to make a sound when they separate; to kiss with a sharp noise; to buss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To make a noise by the separation of the lips after tasting anything.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To kiss with a sharp noise; to buss.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To open, as the lips, with an inarticulate sound made by a quick compression and separation of the parts of the mouth; to make a noise with, as the lips, by separating them in the act of kissing or after tasting.
Drinking off the cup, and smacking his lips with an air of ineffable relish.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

To make a sharp noise by striking; to crack; as, to smack a whip.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

The taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A sailing ship (usually rigged like a sloop or cutter) used in fishing and sailing along the coast
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Street names for heroin
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

An enthusiastic kiss
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

The act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Deliver a hard blow to;
The teacher smacked the student who had misbehaved
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Have an element suggestive (of something);
His speeches smacked of racism
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Have a distinctive or characteristic taste;
This tastes of nutmeg
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Kiss lightly
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Eat noisily by smacking one's lips
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

Directly;
He ran bang into the pole
Ran slap into her
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Smack

A sharp, audible blow or slap.
The smack could be heard across the room when she slapped the mosquito.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Smack

A sailing ship, usually used in coastal trade.
A smack sailed smoothly across the coast carrying fish.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

FAQs

Are slap and smack interchangeable?

They can be, when referring to a sharp blow, but smack has additional meanings, such as a distinct taste or flavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Is a slap more disrespectful than a smack?

A slap is often seen as disrespectful, especially when directed to the face, but context is crucial in assessing disrespect in both terms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can smack refer to a flavor or taste?

Yes, smack can refer to a distinct or trace flavor in food.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Does smack always imply a louder sound than a slap?

Often, but not necessarily, as the perceived loudness depends on the force applied and the context.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023

Is a slap always done with an open hand?

Typically, yes. A slap is characterized by the use of an open hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can the word slap be used as a verb?

Yes, slap can function as both a noun and a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Is a slap always delivered to the face?

While commonly associated with striking the face, a slap can be delivered to other parts of the body.
Samantha Walker
Sep 22, 2023

Is smack only used to describe physical actions?

No, smack is versatile and can describe physical actions, sounds, or flavors.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023

Can the action of a slap be playful?

Context is key. A slap can be playful or harmful, depending on the intent and situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can smack be used to describe a sound?

Yes, smack can describe a sharp, resonant sound typically associated with a sharp blow.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can a slap be perceived as violent?

Yes, depending on the context and force, a slap can be perceived as violent.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

Can the term smack be used in cooking?

Yes, smack is often used to describe a hint or trace of flavor in culinary contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Is the sound of a slap distinctive?

Yes, a slap typically produces a sharp and distinctive sound due to the open hand making contact.
Samantha Walker
Sep 22, 2023

Does smack have a colloquial use?

Yes, smack is colloquially used to describe a trace of flavor and can have other colloquial meanings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can the word smack be used as an adjective?

Yes, for example, "smack in the middle," where it means directly or exactly in the middle.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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