slaps in the face

Stinging public humiliations

Slaps in the face is the plural of slap in the face—an act or remark that insults or humiliates someone, often unexpectedly: After years of loyal service, the demotion felt like a series of slaps in the face.

The phrase emphasizes repeated or multiple instances of disrespect or rejection.

Related

adding insult · humiliation · public shaming · offense · snub · conflict · smack · wake-up call · rude awakening · rejection · hit · betrayal · retaliation · rebuke · affront · slight · backhanded compliment · cold shoulder

Opposites
respect and dignity

slaps in the facepats on the back

Congratulatory touches between shoulders

compliments · praise · tributes · honors · accolades

emotional impact

slaps in the faceaffirmations

Positive self-directed statements

shots in the arm · morale boosters · reassurances · pats on the back · hugs

reward vs. punishment

slaps in the faceseals of approval

Official marks of acceptance

stamps of approval · validations · votes of confidence · rewards · promotions

Family

slap, slaps, slapped, slapping, slapper, face, faces, faced, facing

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG