spanking

[spang-king]

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adjective

moving rapidly and smartly.

quick and vigorous: a spanking pace.

blowing briskly: a spanking breeze.

Informal. unusually fine, great, large, etc.; remarkable; distinctive: a spanking monogram in gold embroidery.

adverb

Informal. extremely, strikingly, or remarkably; very: three little girls in spanking new dresses.

Origin of spanking

1660–70; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian spanke, Swedish spånka to strut

Related formsspank·ing·ly, adverb

spank

[spangk]

verb (used with object)

to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.

noun

a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.

Origin of spank

First recorded in 1720–30; imitative

spank

[spangk]

verb (used without object)

to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.

Origin of spank

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for spanking

brisk, dashing, swift, exceptional, new, remarkable, vigorous

Examples from the Web for spanking

Contemporary Examples of spanking

In this collection of essays, start with section one, “Spanking and Other Sexual Detours.”
The Secret Yom Kippur Reading List
Avi Steinberg
September 16, 2010

Historical Examples of spanking

"Spanking is too expensive nowadays," pertly added the girl, who wore her hair like a pianist.
Painted Veils
James Huneker
Hes told us about how he sailed in the Spanking Sal and lost his leg fighting pirates.
The Corner House Girls Under Canvas
Grace Brooks Hill

British Dictionary definitions for spanking

spanking

noun

a series of spanks, esp on the buttocks, usually as a punishment for children

spanking

adjective (prenominal)

informal outstandingly fine, smart, large, etc

quick and energetic; lively

(esp of a breeze) fresh and brisk

Word Origin for spanking

C17: of uncertain origin. Compare Danish spanke to strut

spank

verb

(tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks

noun

a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand

Word Origin for spank

C18: probably of imitative origin

spank

verb

(intr) to go at a quick and lively pace

Word Origin for spank

C19: back formation from spanking ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for spanking

adj.

1660s, "very big or fine," later (especially of horses) "moving at a lively pace" (1738), perhaps from a Scandinavian source (cf. Danish spanke "to strut").

spank

1727, possibly imitative of the sound of spanking. Related: Spanked; spanking. The noun is from 1785.