What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slap
Example
He slapped his opponent in the face after losing the game. [slapped: past tense]
Example
The sound of the slap echoed through the room. [slap: noun]
smack
Example
She smacked her son's hand for reaching into the cookie jar. [smacked: past tense]
Example
The smack of the ball hitting the bat could be heard from across the field. [smack: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slap is more commonly used than smack in everyday language. Slap is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smack is less common and often associated with specific contexts, such as punishment or sound effects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slap and smack?
Both slap and smack are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, smack may be considered slightly more informal than slap due to its association with playfulness and affection.
