To ___ slap

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>I grew up hearing, "Jap slap" a lot.  I didn't know the meaning, but I
>perceived it as a half-serious reaction to someone (While the speakers seemed
>angry, they would break into a laugh after uttering it.)  Nevertheless, from
>the context in which it was used, I was sure of one thing:  I didn't want to
>be the recipient!     PAT

The Cassell slang dictionary shows "jap-slap" ("from 1980's, US") = "to
slap someone suddenly, also used fig." ... apparently based on the Japanese
surprise attack at Pearl Harbor. Something like "sucker punch", I guess.

-- Doug Wilson