spanking
spanking Lexical Profile
spanking Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act or instance of slapping someone on the buttocks with the open hand or a flat object, especially as a form of corporal punishment.
"Many modern child psychologists strongly advise parents against using a spanking as a method of discipline."
• adverb
Completely or utterly (used informally as an intensifier, especially before 'new' or 'clean').
"She arrived at the cycling tournament riding a spanking new carbon-fiber bike."
• adjective
Moving at a fast, brisk, or lively pace (especially of a horse or a breeze).
"The sailboat glided effortlessly across the bay in a spanking breeze."
Strikingly impressive, large, or fine of its kind (informal).
"The mechanic did a spanking job restoring the vintage roadster to its original condition."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adverb, 'spanking' is used almost exclusively as an intensifier before 'new' or 'clean' (often in the phrase 'brand-spanking new').