smack

Everyday

1. To hit someone or something hard with an open hand. tree →
2. (noun) A hit with an open hand, or the loud sound of a hit. tree →
3. (adverb, informal) Exactly or directly: smack in the middle. tree →
4. (informal) A loud kiss. tree →
5. «Smack of» means to suggest something: that smacks of cheating. tree →
6. (slang) An illegal drug (heroin); also a small fishing boat (old). tree →
7. To smack your lips means to make a noisy sound with your mouth, usually when you are about to eat something tasty. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, «smack» describes a hit; hitting is not OK. In stories, the ball hit him smack on the nose. In sport, «a smack» is a hard hit. Phrases: smack in the middle, smack your lips, smack of.

Examples

• The ball landed smack in the middle of the goal. tree →
• She smacked her lips at the smell of pizza. tree →
• He hit the wall with a loud smack. tree →
• Gran gave me a big smack on the cheek. tree →
• Hitting is never OK. tree →
• His excuse smacked of a lie. tree →
• Iktomi trudged along with his burden, smacking his hungry lips together. tree →

Note

Regular verb: smacked. «Smack your lips» means close them with a sound when food looks good. Smacking children is against the law in many countries.