1 B2 informal
To hit someone repeatedly with open-handed blows, typically in an abusive manner.
"He was arrested for slapping his roommate around during an argument over rent."
separable
slap someone around
B2 informal separable transitive
To hit a person repeatedly with open-handed blows, or to treat someone roughly and abusively.
In plain English
To keep hitting someone with your open hand, or to treat someone very badly.
What does "slap someone around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To dominate or treat someone dismissively or without respect.
"The home side slapped the visitors around for ninety minutes and won 4–0."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slap (hit with an open hand) a person repeatedly — literally physical violence.
Actually means
To keep hitting someone with your open hand, or to treat someone very badly.
Usage tip
The entry-form 'slap someone around' is a common dictionary citation form for 'slap around' when used transitively. Often found in contexts describing domestic abuse, bullying, or intimidation. The figurative sense (treating dismissively) is also in use.
Words that pair with "slap someone around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
victim partner hostage bully competitor rival
How to conjugate "slap someone around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slap someone around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slaps someone around
he/she/it
Past simple
slaped someone around
yesterday
Past participle
slaped someone around
have + pp
-ing form
slaping someone around
continuous
Hear "slap someone around" in the wild
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