Hanky-Panky
/ˌhæŋ.ki ˈpæŋ.ki/noun
Deceptive, improper, or suspicious behavior, often especially sexual misconduct or trickery.
Did you know?The phrase was recorded in nineteenth-century British English for a conjurer’s or magician’s trick, with its later sexual meaning developing as a euphemistic extension of “improper” behavior.
Etymological Timeline
Early 19th Century
English
hanky-panky
“A reduplicative slang expression whose exact formation is uncertain; no securely documented older root is known.”
1841
English
hanky-panky
“Recorded in British slang in connection with conjuring, trickery, or deceptive magical performance.”
Late 19th Century
English
hanky-panky
“Broadened to mean deceptive or suspicious conduct generally.”
Early 20th Century
English
hanky-panky
“Established as a euphemism for sexual misconduct or illicit sexual activity.”
Modern English
English
hanky-panky
“Playful or disapproving term for trickery, improper dealings, or sexual behavior considered inappropriate.”
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