- slap (v.)
- 1630s, probably of imitative origin, similar to Low German slappe, German Schlappe. Related: Slapped; slapping.
- slap (n.)
- 1640s, from slap (v.). Figurative meaning "insult" is attested from 1736. Slap-happy (1936) originally meant "punch-drunk." Slapshot in ice hockey is recorded from 1942. Slap on the wrist "very mild punishment" dates from 1914.