Stephen, I'm not a psychiatrist, but I think it stems from the fact that a slap is a threat to one's manhood. While I was a claims examiner for the Labor Department, I was slapped by a claimant I had disqualified. I had him jacked against the wall so fast I still don't recall doing it. My boss had to convince me to let him go. He got a $1000 fine and a year's probation for his little outburst. His name was Trigger! LOl Stan