verb, noun General Slang

skelp

· verb, noun · scottish

A sharp smack or slap — usually open-handed, usually deserved.

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Definitions

1

To slap or smack, typically with an open hand. Classic threat from Scottish parents and grannies — 'I'll skelp yer arse' is practically a national lullaby.

“If you don't stop pulling your sister's hair I'm going to skelp you.”
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2

A blow or slap itself — the smack you receive, not the act of giving it.

“She gave him a right skelp round the ear for being cheeky.”
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3

To move quickly or hurriedly, often 'skelping along'. Less common but still heard.

“The bus was skelping along the motorway at ninety.”
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skelp In A Sentence

If you don't stop pulling your sister's hair I'm going to skelp you.
She gave him a right skelp round the ear for being cheeky.
The bus was skelping along the motorway at ninety.

Origin & Usage

Middle Scots, likely imitative — the sound of a slap. Recorded since the 15th century.

Variants skelpedskelpin

People Also Ask

What does skelp mean?

It means a sharp smack or slap, usually open-handed and usually deserved; it can be used as both a verb and a noun.

How do you use skelp in a sentence?

"Carry on like that and you'll get a skelp round the ear."

Where does skelp come from?

It's a Scots and Northern English word.

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