spanked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing discipline, punishment, or playful interactions, often in reference to children or in a metaphorical sense among adults. Example: "After misbehaving, the child was spanked as a form of discipline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The open text responses to the survey revealed a catalogue of shocking stories, from women who were subjected to sexist jokes at every meeting, to being told they would be spanked if they made a mistake or "told off" if they went up a dress size.

The Guardian

B) "You spanked your life hinky, you're a wolfman.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In fact, the only group that was starkly different in its views on spanking was the minority who reported not having been spanked themselves as children; in this group, 50% said that spanking a child was never appropriate.

The Guardian - Sport

A Harris Interactive poll in 2013 found that 81% of Americans say that parents spanking their children is at least sometimes appropriate, and 67% said they had spanked their child.

The Guardian - Sport

Eighty-six percent of respondents said they were spanked as a child, and 21% said that there were times when they had been spanked with "too much violence".

The Guardian - Sport

Nearly 30 studies from various countries show that children who are regularly spanked become more aggressive themselves, as both children and adults.

The Economist

It will hardly hurt the Examiner to have had the leftish Weekly's parent so briskly spanked for behaving like a scheming monopolist.The Examiner plans to eschew sex-ads but still offer itself for free.

The Economist

In the presidential garden at Hyde Park she hit Eleanor Roosevelt on the rump with her catapult, for which her father spanked her.The studios were full of friends: Orson Welles, with whom she played croquet, Gary Cooper, who did colouring with her, and the kind camera crews.

The Economist

You know, I've been in these positions before where we were favoured and the press starts getting carried away and we end up getting spanked.

The Economist

Nearly 30 studies from various countries show that children who are regularly spanked become more aggressive.

The Economist

"AS PART of their daily lives, children across Europe and the world continue to be spanked, slapped, hit, smacked, shaken, kicked, pinched, punched, caned, flogged, belted, beaten and battered in the name of discipline, mainly by adults whom they depend on".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing disciplinary actions, consider the context and severity. "Spanked" can carry different connotations depending on the situation, so choose it carefully.

Common error

Avoid using "spanked" in contexts where it might be misconstrued as condoning abuse. Ensure the situation clearly indicates disciplinary intent and not harmful aggression.

Linguistic Context

Spanked primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb "spank". It describes an action that has already occurred, typically involving physical discipline. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples illustrating its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "spanked" is the past tense of the verb "spank", primarily used to describe a past action of physical discipline. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage can vary from neutral to informal depending on the context. It's frequently found in News & Media, and its connotations can range from describing childhood discipline to metaphorical defeats or criticism. Given its potential for misinterpretation, particularly in sensitive contexts, it's important to consider the audience and choose alternative phrasing such as "punished" or "disciplined" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

punished

Refers to the act of inflicting a penalty for wrongdoing, similar to the disciplinary aspect of "spanked".

smacked

Indicates a quick, light blow, similar to a less forceful "spanked".

paddled

Describes the act of striking someone with a flat object like a paddle, similar to "spanked" but specifying the tool.

chastised

Implies a verbal reprimand or scolding, a less physical form of correction than "spanked".

disciplined

Highlights the intention behind the action, focusing on correction and training rather than just the physical act.

corrected

Similar to disciplined, emphasizing the aim of rectifying behavior.

whipped

Suggests a more severe form of physical punishment, where a whip or similar instrument is used.

reprimanded

Implies a formal or official rebuke, often verbal, for misconduct.

walloped

Suggests a forceful hit or blow, not necessarily disciplinary but potentially impactful.

thrashed

Indicates a severe beating or punishment, a more extreme form of physical discipline.

FAQs

How is "spanked" typically used in a sentence?

"Spanked" is the past tense of "spank", often used to describe a form of physical discipline, as in "The child was "spanked" for misbehaving".

What are some less controversial alternatives to the word "spanked"?

Depending on the context, consider using "disciplined", "reprimanded", or "corrected" as alternatives to "spanked".

Is it appropriate to use "spanked" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "spanked" may be too informal or carry unwanted connotations for formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "administered discipline" or "applied consequences".

What implications does the use of the word "spanked" carry?

The word "spanked" implies a physical form of punishment, often associated with childhood discipline. However, it can also have sexual connotations in certain contexts, so consider your audience and purpose when using it.