Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SLAP, n.1, v.1 Also slep (Sh.). Sc. usages, freq. also in Eng. and Ir. dial. [slɑp]
I. n. In Phrs. (1) full slap, at full speed (Sc. 1904 E.D.D.; Sh., Mry., Kcd., Ags., Fif., Ayr. 1970). Also in n.Eng. dial.; (2) to play slap at, to aim a quick blow at (Gall. 1904 E.D.D.).(2) Uls. 1884 Cruck-a-Leaghan & Slieve Gallion Lays and Leg. 20:
Barney played slap at the bush.
2. A large quantity, a great amount, a dollop (Cld. 1880 Jam.; Sh., Ags. 1970).Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.:
A whole slap of money.
3. A stamp with the foot, a thudding blow on the floor, characteristic of a Shetland reel (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1886 J. Burgess Sketches 114:
Noo an' dan a wild “heech!” frae some o' da young chaps, an' da tree sleps 'at dey gae whin dey cam' ta da end o' a turn.
4. A hearty smacking kiss (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), slep, Sh. 1970).
II. v. 1. To exceed, surpass, beat, go beyond (Fif., w.Lth., Kcb. 1970). Hence slapper, n., something of outstanding size or excellence, a whopper, ‘stunner, (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), ppl.adj. slappin, of persons or animals: outstanding as to stature or size, physically pre-eminent, strapping (Rxb. 1880 Jam.). Also in n.Eng. dial.Cld. 1880 Jam.:
Weel, that slaps a'.Cai. 1961 “Castlegreen” Tatties an' Herreen' 41:
She got them for twa-r-three shilleen's An' she thocht she'd a richt slappan' bargan at 'at.
2. With up: to perform with speed and vigour. Cf. Eng. dial. slap up, gobble up.Slg. 1867 in R. M. Fergusson Village Poet (1897) 149:
I . . . can slap up a washin' or redd up a hoose.
