hanky-panky

See also: hanky panky

English

Alternative forms

hanky panky

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

(Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈhæn.kiː.ˌpæn.kiː/
Audio (US) (file)

Noun

hanky-panky (uncountable)

Mischievous behaviour, dishonest or shady activity.
I think there was some hanky-panky with the last election.
Amorous behaviour, smooching, making out, necking, sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, also if illicit.
A debaucherous act; a sexual act that is considered inappropriate.

Synonyms

(sexual behavior): See also Thesaurus:copulation

Translations

mischievous behaviour, dishonest or shady activity

German: fauler (de) Zauber (de) m, Schwindel (de) m, Hokuspokus (de) m, Mauschelei f, Mauscheleien pl or f, Trick (de) m, Tricks (de) pl or m, Taschenspielertrick m, Taschenspielertricks pl or m

amorous behaviour, smooching, making out, necking, sexual intercourse or other sexual activity

German: Techtelmechtel (de) n, Knutscherei f, Gefummel n, Fummeln n

a debaucherous act; a secual act that is considered inappropriate

German: Ausschweifung (de) f, Sittenlosigkeit f

References

William Lindsay Gresham, Monster Midway, a book about circus life and side-shows (published by 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 Hokkani boro.

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