# hanky-panky

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌhæŋkɪˈpæŋki/

## Definitions
1. Mischievous behaviour, dishonest or shady activity.
2. Amorous behaviour, smooching, making out, necking, sex or other sexual activity, especially if illicit.
3. A debaucherous act; a sexual act that is considered inappropriate.

## Etymology
Possibly a corruption of the Romani expression hakk'ni panki ("great trick", "big con" and hence "shady dealings").

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/hanky-panky