The phrase “slap bang in the middle” is an informal British expression used to describe something that is precisely or exactly located at the center of something. It emphasizes that the object or event is positioned without deviation, right in the middle. For example, if you say, “The hotel is slap bang in the middle of the city,” it means the hotel is located exactly in the center of the city, not on the outskirts or off to one side, but in the precise central area.
Sentence Examples
- The park is slap bang in the middle of town, making it the perfect spot for a picnic.
- Their new office is slap bang in the middle of the business district, so it’s easy for clients to find.
- The concert hall is slap bang in the middle of the city, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
- The bus stop is slap bang in the middle of the street, so it’s convenient for everyone to reach.
Origin
The term “slap bang” is considered to be onomatopoeic, meaning it mimics the sound associated with the action it describes. It conveys a sense of something being placed or occurring suddenly and directly. The phrase emphasizes exact positioning, as in “the dog was slap-bang in the middle of the road,” indicating that it is not just near the center but exactly there.
The earliest recorded usage of “slap bang” dates back to around 1833, and it has been used in various contexts since then. It appears in literature and slang, often associated with a sudden or emphatic action. For example, John Bee’s work from 1823 includes references to similar expressions, suggesting a long-standing presence in colloquial English.
Slap Bang In the Middle Synonyms/Alternative Phrases
If you’re looking for alternatives to the phrase “Slap Bang in the Middle,” here are a few other expressions that convey the same meaning:
- Right in the center
- Smack in the middle
- Dead center
- At the heart
- In the thick of
- In the midst of
- In the core
- At the epicenter
- Exactly in the middle
- Square in the middle