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.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 10). Slap. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/slap
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Slap." HillbillySlang.com, 10 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/slap.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Slap." HillbillySlang.com. October 10, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/slap.
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Slang
Latest Southernish
About
Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...