Hankey-pank

Hankey-pank
Hankey-pankey Han"key-pan"key, Hankey-pank Han"key-pank`(h[a^][ng]"k[y^]*p[a^][ng]"k[y^]), n. [Cf. {Hocus-pocus}.] [Also spelled {hanky-panky}.] 1. Professional cant; the chatter of conjurers to divert attention from their tricks; hence, jugglery. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

2. Illegal or unethical behavior, usually surreptitious; as, the boss got suspicious when profits seemed lower than expected, and hired an investigator to see if any hankey-pankey was going on. [Informal] [PJC]

3. Extramarital sexual relations, especially adultery. [Colloq.] [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Hankey-pankey — Han key pan key, Hankey pank Han key pank (h[a^][ng] k[y^]*p[a^][ng] k[y^]), n. [Cf. {Hocus pocus}.] [Also spelled {hanky panky}.] 1. Professional cant; the chatter of conjurers to divert attention from their tricks; hence, jugglery. [Colloq.]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • hanky-panky — Hankey pankey Han key pan key, Hankey pank Han key pank (h[a^][ng] k[y^]*p[a^][ng] k[y^]), n. [Cf. {Hocus pocus}.] [Also spelled {hanky panky}.] 1. Professional cant; the chatter of conjurers to divert attention from their tricks; hence, jugglery …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • hanky-panky — /hang kee pang kee/, n. 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. Also, hankey pankey, hanky pank. [1835… …   Universalium

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