Slang

zap (3)

This page is about the slang term zap (3)

American English

Meaning

to control an appliance like a TV with a hand-held device

For example

  • People are getting lazy because they don't have to get up to change the TV channel or turn on the air-conditioner. They can just zap them instead.

  • Why are we watching the ads? Gimme the zapper and I'll zap 'em.

Variety

This is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

If you can change the TV channel by zapping, you can do it

a. without thinking

b. without watching

c. without getting up
a) without thinking b) without watching c) without getting up

See Slang of the Day today

Contributor: Matt Errey