What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smacking
Example
She gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek. [smacking: adjective]
Example
He was smacking his gum loudly during the movie. [smacking: present participle]
whack
Example
He whacked the ball out of the park. [whacked: past tense]
Example
She hit her head on the low ceiling with a loud whack. [whack: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whack is more commonly used than smacking in everyday language. Whack is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smacking is less common and has more limited usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smacking and whack?
Both smacking and whack are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, whack may be used in more diverse contexts and can be employed in both formal and informal settings.