hanky-panky

or han·key-pan·key

[ hang-kee-pang-kee ]

noun

, Informal.

1. unethical behavior; deceit:

   When the bank teller bought an expensive car and house, they suspected there might be some hanky-panky going on.

2. illicit sexual relations.

hanky-panky

/ ˈhæŋkɪˈpæŋkɪ /

noun

1. dubious or suspicious behaviour
2. foolish behaviour or talk
3. illicit sexual relations

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanky-panky¹

1835–45; rhyming compound; compare initial h, p of higgledy-piggledy, hocus-pocus, hodgepodge ( def ), etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanky-panky¹

C19: variant of hocus-pocus

Example Sentences

Barker admitted engaging in “hanky panky” with Parkinson from 1989-91 but said she initiated the relationship.

From Washington Times

"What kind of a woman meets somebody and brings them up and within minutes you're playing hanky panky in a dressing room?" he said, blaming Carroll for the assault as the audience laughed approvingly.

From Salon

"What kind of a woman meets somebody and brings them up and within minutes you're playing hanky panky in a dressing room," he said.

From Salon

"What kind of a woman meets somebody and brings them up and within minutes, you're playing hanky panky in a dressing room?"

From Reuters

Olympic athletes have never shied away from hanky panky, but officials have warned it could spell particular trouble this year amid the pandemic.

From Fox News