spanking

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈspæŋkɪŋ/

• Audio (US)

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Verb

spanking

1. present participle of spank

Noun

spanking (plural spankings)

1. A form of physical punishment in which a beating is applied to the buttocks.

   Domestic spanking is often endured over the knee (or lap), formal spanking rather applied over a contraption such as a tresle or A-frame, with or without constraints

2. An incident of such punishment, or such physical act in a non-punitive context, such as a birthday spanking.
   • 2001, John Rosemond, John Rosemond's New Parent Power!‎

     Some people think spankings of any sort constitute child abuse.

Adjective

spanking (not comparable)

1. Fast and energetic.

   a spanking pace

   • James Joyce

     I'd like nothing better this minute, said Mr Browne stoutly, than a rattling fine walk in the country or a fast drive with a good spanking goer between the shafts.

2. (often nautical) Brisk and fresh.

   a spanking breeze

3. remarkable of its kind.

   a spanking good time

Adverb

spanking (not comparable)

1. (colloquial, now usually with “new”) An intensifier.

   brand spanking new

References

• “spanking” in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
• “spanking” in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary