hanky-panky

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.4 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Possibly a corruption of hakk'ni panki, a Romani ("Gypsy") expression for a "great trick" or "big con," hence "shady dealings."^[1]

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈhæn.kiː.ˌpæn.kiː/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

hanky-panky (uncountable)

1. mischievous behaviour, dishonest or shady activity. ("I think there was some hanky-panky with the last election.")
2. sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, especially if illicit.
3. a debaucherous act; a sexual act that is considered inappropriate.

[edit] Synonyms

• (sexual behavior): see WikiSaurus:sexual intercourse

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ Gresham, William Lindsay. Monster Midway, a book about circus life and side-shows. Victor Gollancz Ltd, London, 1954. (some of the chapters in this book appeared as articles in the following magazines: Collier's Weekly, Life, Esquire, True, and The American Weekly. Reference copied from [[1]]