What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smack
Example
He smacked the table in frustration. [smacked: past tense]
Example
The teacher smacked the student's hand with a ruler. [smacked: verb]
slap
Example
She slapped him across the face for his rude comment. [slapped: past tense]
Example
He gave her a playful slap on the back. [slap: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slap is more commonly used than smack in everyday language. Slap is often used to describe violent or aggressive behavior, while smack is less common and has a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smack and slap?
Both smack and slap are informal words and are not appropriate for formal situations. However, slap is usually associated with more negative or violent connotations and should be used with caution.
