HANKIE PANKIE Meaning and
Definition
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Hankie pankie, also spelled hanky-panky, is a colloquial term used to describe deceitful or illicit behavior, often involving mischief, trickery, or dishonest acts. It refers to activities or actions that are dubious, questionable, or underhanded, typically carried out with the intention of fooling or misleading others.
The term hankie pankie has its origins in British English, where it was initially used in the early 19th century to refer to both conjuring tricks and lascivious activities involving flirtation or sexual impropriety. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass a broader range of clandestine or immoral behaviors.
In contemporary usage, hankie pankie often refers to covert actions or arrangements where individuals engage in dishonest or deceitful actions, particularly for personal gain or to manipulate a situation for their advantage. This can include fraudulent or misleading behavior, dishonest dealings, or secret affairs. It may also be used to describe mischievous pranks or practical jokes that involve trickery or deception to create a humorous or amusing effect.
Due to its slang nature, the precise extent and nuances of hankie pankie can vary depending on the context and cultural norms. However, the term generally implies a sense of disapproval or criticism towards the deceptive or dishonest behavior it denotes.
Common Misspellings for HANKIE PANKIE
- hankie pankhe
- hankie pankiu
- hankie pankim
- hankie pankia
- hankie pankig
- h ankie pankie
- ha nkie pankie
- han kie pankie
- hank ie pankie
- hanki e pankie
- hankie pa nkie
- hankie pan kie
- hankie pank ie
- hankie panki e
Etymology of HANKIE PANKIE
The term "hankie pankie" is a slang phrase that is derived from the word "hanky-panky".
The etymology of "hanky-panky" is not definitively known, but there are a few theories surrounding its origin. One theory suggests that "hanky-panky" is an alteration of the older phrase "hocus-pocus", which was used to refer to deceitful or fraudulent tricks or behavior. It is believed that "hanky-panky" emerged as a rhyming modification of "hocus-pocus" to describe similar acts of deception or trickery.
Another theory proposes that "hanky-panky" might have been influenced by the British slang word "panka", which meant a swindle or deceitful act during the late 19th century.
