hanky-panky
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[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
[edit] Noun
hanky-panky (uncountable)
- mischievous behaviour, dishonest or shady activity. ("I think there was some hanky-panky with the last election.")
- sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, especially if illicit.
- a debaucherous act; a sexual act that is considered inappropriate.
[edit] Synonyms
- (sexual behavior): See also Wikisaurus:sexual intercourse
[edit] References
- ^ 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: w:Collier's Weekly, Life, Esquire, True, and w:The American Weekly. Reference copied from Wikipedia
