See Also: hanky-panky(dictionary)
hanky-panky(dictionary)
hanky(dictionary)

hanky-panky (iou)



hanky-panky noun. M19.
[Rel. to HOCUS-POCUS, perh. with a suggestion of 'sleight of hand'.]
Orig., juggling, conjuring. Later, trickery, underhand dealing; questionable behaviour, esp. surreptitious or illicit sexual activity.
E. H. Yates If there was any hanky-panky, any mystery I mean. New Yorker They were still 'courting'..in Dr. Rounds' boarding house..where..no hanky-panky was permitted.