hanky-panky

== English == === Alternative forms === hanky panky === Etymology === Possibly a corruption of the Romani expression hakk'ni panki ("great trick", "big con" and hence "shady dealings"). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌhæŋkɪˈpæŋki/ === Noun === hanky-panky (countable and uncountable, plural hanky-pankies) (uncountable) Mischievous behaviour; dishonest or shady activity. (uncountable) Amorous behaviour, making out, necking, sex or other sexual activity, especially if illicit. Synonyms: roll in the hay; see also Thesaurus:copulation (uncountable) A debaucherous act; a sexual act that is considered inappropriate. (countable) A cocktail made from gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca fernet. ==== Translations ==== === References ===