that smarts

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformalAmerican

   Used to say that something hurts with a sharp, stinging pain, especially on the skin.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a short exclamation; it is not followed by an object.

   Ow, that smarts! I just poured hot tea on my hand.

   That smarts — the salt got into the cut on my finger.

   He hit his shin on the table and said, "That smarts!"

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformalhumorousfigurative

   Used humorously or figuratively when something causes emotional pain, such as an insult or a failure.

   Grammar: Often said with a joking or dry tone after a criticism or embarrassing moment.

   "You failed the easy question?" "Ouch, that smarts."

   She laughed at my old photos, and honestly, that smarts a little.

   Losing the final by one point really smarts.

Common combinations

that smarts a little

I bumped my elbow on the door, and that smarts a little.

that really smarts

He scraped his knee, and that really smarts.

that smarts!

That smarts! Be careful with that needle.

say "that smarts"

When she burned her fingers, she said "that smarts" and ran cold water over them.

Synonyms and how they differ

that hurts

More general and neutral; it can describe any kind of pain, while 'that smarts' suggests a sharp, stinging feeling.

that stings

Very close in meaning, but it usually describes a sharp pain from something like a cut, insect bite, or cleaning product.

ouch

A simple cry of pain; it does not include the idea of a continuing smarting sensation.

Word family

smart verb

To feel a sharp, stinging pain: My eyes smart from the smoke.

smarting adjective

Feeling or showing a sharp pain, often emotional: a smarting wound.

Commonly confused: that smarts or smart?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “that smarts”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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