Slap
In Southern and Appalachian speech, slap is an intensifier meaning "completely," "entirely," or "right." It gives ordinary phrases extra punch and humor - the kind you can almost hear.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Growin' up, I didn't hear 'slap' too much as an intensifier, so I think it's more regional. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Growin' up, I didn't hear 'slap' too much as an intensifier, so I think it's more regional. Pronunciation
[SLAP]
/slæp/
/slæp/
Meaning & Usage
- Completely, Fully, or Directly (adverb, intensifier)
Mamaw:
That kitchen’s slap full of company.
That kitchen’s slap full of company.
Papaw:
Ain’t no room for one more biscuit.
Ain’t no room for one more biscuit.- Exactly or Straight (adverb, with direction)
Estel:
He hit that post slap dab in the middle.
He hit that post slap dab in the middle.
Elmer:
Didn’t miss by a hair.
Didn’t miss by a hair.★ "Slap" turns plain statements into Southern poetry. It’s one of those words that works as a sound as much as a meaning. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English slappe (a strike or blow). In Southern and Appalachian English, it evolved into a metaphorical intensifier - likely from the sense of impact or finality in the motion of a slap.
Usage Notes
Common throughout the South and Appalachia. Used as a mild, humorous intensifier in everyday speech. Not typically found in formal writing.