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zap

A raucous public demonstration designed to embarrass a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.

zæpDocumented since 1920s1920sSilenthistorical114 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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3 definitions
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Born ~1920 · no dated citations yet
1920BornToday, 2026

Definitions

IN
#1·Apr 27, 2026IN

A raucous public demonstration designed to embarrass a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.

For parents

Zap means: A raucous public demonstration designed to embarrass a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

zap means: A raucous public demonstration designed to embarrass a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(colloquial) An electric shock.

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Global
#3·Apr 27, 2026Global

(colloquial) A sound made by a sudden release of electricity or some similar energy.

You might feel a little zap touching a metal doorknob when the air is dry.
Origin: 1920s, American English, of origin. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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For specific readers

Zap means: A raucous public demonstration designed to embarrass a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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