Slap vs. Smack: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sharp blow delivered with an open hand.
A sharp blow or a distinct taste or flavor.
Associated Sound
Produces a sharp, distinctive sound.
Associated with a louder, more resonant sound.
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.
Part of Speech
Can be used as a noun or a verb.
Can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adjective.
Impact
Associated with a stinging, less forceful blow.
Implies a possibly louder, more forceful impact.
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Slap and Smack Definitions
Slap
A quick, abrupt application.
She applied a slap of paint to the wall.
Smack
A taste or flavor, especially a trace of it.
The sauce had a smack of garlic and herbs.
Slap
A sudden impact or sound.
The slap of the wave against the boat was loud.
Smack
A loud kiss.
She gave her grandson a loud smack on the cheek.
Slap
An act of striking with an open hand.
The slap was so sudden that it left everyone in shock.
Smack
To press together and open (the lips) quickly and noisily, as in eating or tasting.
Slap
A reprimand or rebuke.
The demotion felt like a slap in the face.
Smack
To kiss noisily.
Slap
A sharp blow made with the open hand or with a flat object; a smack.
Smack
To strike sharply and with a loud noise.
Slap
The sound of such a blow.
Smack
To make or give a smack.
Slap
A sharp insult
A slap to one's pride.
Smack
To collide sharply and noisily
The ball smacked against the side of the house.
Slap
To strike with the palm of the hand or a flat object
Slapped him in the face.
Smack
To have a distinctive flavor or taste. Used with of.
Slap
To cause to strike forcefully and loudly
"He took a clipping from his wallet and slapped it on the bar" (Nathanael West).
Smack
To give an indication; be suggestive. Often used with of
"an agenda that does not smack of compromise" (Time).
Slap
To put or place quickly or carelessly
Slapped butter on a bagel.
Smack
The loud sharp sound of smacking.
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.
Smack
A noisy kiss.
Slap
To impose (a legal obligation) on someone
The judge slapped an additional fine on the unruly defendant.
Smack
A sharp blow or slap.
Slap
To strike or beat with the force and sound of a slap
Waves slapping against the raft.
Smack
A distinctive flavor or taste.
Slap
Directly and with force
Drove slap into the guardrail.
Smack
A suggestion or trace.
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.
Smack
A small amount; a smattering.
Slap
(countable) A sharp percussive sound like that produced by such a blow.
The slap of my feet on the bathroom tiles
Smack
A fishing boat sailing under various rigs, according to size, and often having a well used to transport the catch to market.
Slap
The percussive sound produced in slap bass playing.
Smack
Heroin.
Slap
Makeup; cosmetics.
Smack
With a smack
Fell smack on her head.
Slap
An eye-catching sticker used in street art.
Smack
Directly
"We were smack in the middle of another controversy about a public man's personal life" (Ellen Goodman).
Slap
(transitive) To give a slap to.
She slapped him in response to the insult.
Smack
A distinct flavor, especially if slight.
Rice pudding with a smack of cinnamon
Slap
(transitive) To cause something to strike soundly.
He slapped the reins against the horse's back.
Smack
A slight trace of something; a smattering.
Slap
(intransitive) To strike soundly against something.
The rain slapped against the window-panes.
Smack
Heroin.
Slap
To be excellent.
The band's new single slaps.
Smack
(Northern England) A form of fried potato; a scallop.
Slap
(transitive) To place, to put carelessly.
We'd better slap some fresh paint on that wall.
Smack
A small sailing vessel, commonly rigged as a sloop, used chiefly in the coasting and fishing trade and often called a fishing smack
Slap
To impose a penalty, etc. on (someone).
I was slapped with a parking fine.
Smack
A group of jellyfish.
Slap
To play slap bass on (an instrument).
Smack
A sharp blow; a slap. See also: spank.
Slap
Exactly, precisely
He tossed the file down slap in the middle of the table.
Smack
The sound of a loud kiss.
Slap
A blow, esp. one given with the open hand, or with something broad.
Smack
A quick, sharp noise, as of the lips when suddenly separated, or of a whip.
Slap
To strike with the open hand, or with something broad.
Smack
(transitive) To get the flavor of.
Slap
With a sudden and violent blow; hence, quickly; instantly; directly.
Smack
(intransitive) To have a particular taste; used with of.
Slap
A blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
Smack
(intransitive) To indicate or suggest something; used with of.
Her reckless behavior smacks of pride.
Slap
The act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
Smack
To slap or hit someone.
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
Smack
To make a smacking sound.
Slap
Directly;
He ran bang into the pole
Ran slap into her
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)
Slap
A sharp blow made by an open hand.
He received a slap on the cheek for his rude comment.
Smack
To wetly separate the lips, making a noise, after tasting something or in expectation of a treat.
Smack
To kiss with a close compression of the lips, so as to make a sound when they separate.
Smack
As if with a smack or slap; smartly; sharply.
Right smack bang in the middle.
Smack
A small sailing vessel, commonly rigged as a sloop, used chiefly in the coasting and fishing trade.
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.
Smack
A small quantity; a taste.
Smack
A loud kiss; a buss.
Smack
A quick, sharp noise, as of the lips when suddenly separated, or of a whip.
Smack
A quick, smart blow; a slap.
Smack
A slang term for heroin.
Smack
As if with a smack or slap.
Smack
To have a smack; to be tinctured with any particular taste.
Smack
To have or exhibit indications of the presence of any character or quality.
All sects, all ages, smack of this vice.
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.
Smack
To make a noise by the separation of the lips after tasting anything.
Smack
To kiss with a sharp noise; to buss.
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.
Smack
To make a sharp noise by striking; to crack; as, to smack a whip.
Smack
A blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
Smack
The taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
Smack
A sailing ship (usually rigged like a sloop or cutter) used in fishing and sailing along the coast
Smack
Street names for heroin
Smack
An enthusiastic kiss
Smack
The act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
Smack
Deliver a hard blow to;
The teacher smacked the student who had misbehaved
Smack
Have an element suggestive (of something);
His speeches smacked of racism
Smack
Have a distinctive or characteristic taste;
This tastes of nutmeg
Smack
Kiss lightly
Smack
Eat noisily by smacking one's lips
Smack
Directly;
He ran bang into the pole
Ran slap into her
Smack
A sharp, audible blow or slap.
The smack could be heard across the room when she slapped the mosquito.
Smack
A sailing ship, usually used in coastal trade.
A smack sailed smoothly across the coast carrying fish.
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.
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.
Can smack refer to a flavor or taste?
Yes, smack can refer to a distinct or trace flavor in food.
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.
Is a slap always done with an open hand?
Typically, yes. A slap is characterized by the use of an open hand.
Can the word slap be used as a verb?
Yes, slap can function as both a noun and a verb.
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.
Is smack only used to describe physical actions?
No, smack is versatile and can describe physical actions, sounds, or flavors.
Can the action of a slap be playful?
Context is key. A slap can be playful or harmful, depending on the intent and situation.
Can smack be used to describe a sound?
Yes, smack can describe a sharp, resonant sound typically associated with a sharp blow.
Can a slap be perceived as violent?
Yes, depending on the context and force, a slap can be perceived as violent.
Can the term smack be used in cooking?
Yes, smack is often used to describe a hint or trace of flavor in culinary contexts.
Is the sound of a slap distinctive?
Yes, a slap typically produces a sharp and distinctive sound due to the open hand making contact.
Does smack have a colloquial use?
Yes, smack is colloquially used to describe a trace of flavor and can have other colloquial meanings.
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.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
