Definition

Noun: 1. Secret or improper sexual activity; illicit sexual intercourse: The term refers to sexual behavior that is considered secretive, improper, or outside the bounds of a committed relationship. 2. Deceitful or suspicious activity; trickery: In a broader, often humorous sense, it can refer to any underhanded, dishonest, or questionable dealings.

Usage

• The word is a singular, uncountable noun. It is typically used in informal contexts.
• It often carries a tone of mild scandal, mischief, or disapproval.
• It is commonly used in the phrase "hanky-panky" (with a 'y'), which is the more frequent spelling.

Examples

• Referring to sexual activity:
  • There were rumors of hanky-panky between the manager and his assistant.
  • The private detective was hired to see if there was any hanky-panky going on.
• Referring to deceitful activity:
  • I think there's some financial hanky-panky happening with the company accounts.
  • The magician's act was full of clever hanky-panky.

Advanced Usage

• "To be up to hanky-panky": To be engaged in secretive or improper behavior.
  • Those two have been whispering in the corner all night; I think they're up to some hanky-panky.

Variants and Related Words

• Hanky-panky (noun): The more common spelling variant of "hank panky."
• Funny business (noun, informal): A close synonym meaning dishonest or deceptive activity.
• Shenanigans (noun, informal): Secret or dishonest activity or mischief.

Synonyms

• Illicit sex: Formal term for unlawful or adulterous sexual relations.
• Fooling around: Informal phrase for casual sexual activity or frivolous behavior.
• Skulduggery: Dishonest, underhanded behavior.
• Tomfoolery: Foolish or silly behavior.

Related Idioms

• "No hanky-panky!": A warning or rule forbidding any improper or unauthorized activity.
  • You can use the office after hours, but remember: no hanky-panky!

Noun

1. illicit sexual intercourse