adjective / adverb
spanking
Strikingly brisk or vigorous.
The sailboat skims across the lake in a spanking breeze.
Etymology
An emphatic extension within the spank family, conveying vigor or briskness. The force is figurative rather than a literal beating.
More examples
- The horses trot down the lane at a spanking pace.
- She arrives at work in a brand spanking new car.
- He changes into a spanking clean shirt for dinner.
Forms
spanking