ASSAULT = an overt physical act that results in the apprehension of immenent harmful contact. You act (run, chase, brandish cricket bat), they believe you are going to hit, you have committed assault.
If you touch = BATTERY.
So, I swing my fist at your face, you see it coming = assault. It makes contact = battery. Assault and battery. You can have one without the other. I hit you on the head from behind = battery, but no assault.
So, yes, it's assault. Assault with a Deadly Weapon, in fact. Which is why you got the friendly warning.
But, it's a trap I set anyway, knowing most people don't realize the legal definition. Donut would be proud.
