Happy Slapping

Thought by many to have originated in the early 21st century as it was at this point that the masses had the ability to film pretty much anything and everything they got up to. The first time the term happy slapping was ever published was on January 21st, 2005 when reporter Michael Shaw wrote a piece on the spreading fad within London schools. Although it was originally a fairly unthreatening childhood prank to start with, it soon escalated (in certain groups) into more vicious attacks which in some instances ended in serious injuries and even death.

Tango Advert

Children growing up in the early 90's very probably took part in happy slapping although they would have referred to it as having been "tangoed" following an advert popular at the time when an orange fat man slapped the drinker of Tango. That advert was subsequently banned following numerous reports of children imitating the ad and perforating each others eardrums. Please follow this link to see the original tango advert.

It could well be argued that this was where happy slapping all started, although at this time the mobile phone was still something of the elite and it was another 8 to 10 years before it was the norm for every teenager to have one and therefore have the ability to video their pranks.

Happy slap goes wrong.

This site does not find happy slapping funny, but what is funny is when it goes wrong and the slapper becomes the slappee (did I just make that word up?). Please see below some videos of when it goes wrong. These are in no way an endorsement of violence but hopefully it may show some the consequences of their actions (allow I doubt it.)

Example 1:

In this video it's clear that the two guys have planned to slap the passerby's girlfriend as they walk by. A fairly cowardly act and clearly planned as after all it's being filmed. The girl receives a light slap as the couple walk by and the boyfriend turns out to be a pretty boxer. With lightening quick reactions he knocks the slapper to the ground and his accomplish soon follows. Watch the full happy slap gone wrong video here.

Can't say I have any sympathy and can only hope that the beating gave these two dicks a wake-up call.

Why Happy Slap?

Many associate such behavior with anti-social groups such as chavs and neds but it is likely to be perpetrated by anyone young enough and stupid enough looking to show off to their mates through violence and bullying. I doubt you'll find many instances of happy slapping where the attack has been solely for the pleasure of the slapper and hasn't been shown to as many friends as possible.

Recent Comments:

angel 555 07/07/10:
"happy slapping is good! i think it is a good thing for teenagers to do ! i think it is good for teens to slap random people in the face on the bus while sleeping !"

Nkululeko 08/04/10:
"Happy slapping is wrong,i also think that the slappers need to get help,cause it seems as if they have problems emotionally."

Ambeswa 07/04/10:
"Happy slapping is a realy bad thing,i hope the victims of this pathetic doing get help because this will eventualy get emotional,not only physical,and also the slappers to also get help to me it seems as if they also need help,emotionaly. "

Stephen 16/01/10:
"This kind of thing really does make my blood boil!"