Hanky panky

Origin of: Hanky panky

Hanky panky

<p>This phrase meaning frivolity, sleight of hand or sexual impropriety dates from the early 19th century and is a reduplication of hanky (short for handkerchief). This was originally a reference to a conjuror&rsquo;s handkerchief, behind or under which, sleight of hand was invariably practised.</p>