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Glite Dictionary
gentle spank

gentle spank

6.8
A light slap, usually on the arm, to get attention
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛn.təl spæŋk/
  • Informal
translation icon : nalgada suave
  • She gave her brother a gentle spank on the arm to get his attention.

Examples

  • Don't worry, it was just a gentle spank to get her attention.

  • Sometimes a gentle spank is all that's needed to stop mischief.

  • The trainer gave the puppy a gentle spank to correct its behavior.

  • He gave the child a gentle spank on the bottom.

  • She gave her brother a gentle spank on the arm to get his attention.

  • Don't worry, it was just a gentle spank to get her attention.

  • Sometimes a gentle spank is all that's needed to guide a child's behavior.

Synonyms

slap
vsgentle spank
110 1.0

A quick sharp hit with the flat part of the hand

is lighter and aimed at getting attention rather than any forceful hit
spank
vsgentle spank
6 4.8

A quick hit on a child's bottom with an open hand as punishment

is gentler and used to get attention rather than to punish
light touch
vsgentle spank
4 3.9

A gentle, brief contact made with little force

is a specific light blow given to attract attention rather than just touch
soft touch
vsgentle spank
1 3.7

A gentle way of touching or handling people and objects

is a specific light physical hit meant to attract attention rather than warmth
wrist-slap
vsgentle spank
  • Informal
1 7.8

A mild punishment that is too small for what someone did

is not intended as punishment but solely to attract attention
paddling
vsgentle spank
  • Offensive
1 5.1

A light spanking with a flat board used as punishment

is a single light tap for attention rather than a corporal punishment
slappy
vsgentle spank
8.1

A quick light hit with the hand given in a friendly way

is used to attract attention rather than to play
smackeroo
vsgentle spank
  • Informal
9.9

A quick light slap given in play

is meant to get attention rather than to be playful
quick smacker
vsgentle spank
  • Slang
7.4

A short kiss or quick light slap given suddenly

is instead mainly used to attract attention rather than affection
playful pinch
vsgentle spank
  • Informal
3.1

A light squeeze on someone's skin to tease or show affection

is a brief tap used mainly to attract attention rather than affection

Antonyms

harsh
289 2.8

Unkind and too strict in what someone says or does to others

How Hard

to spank
119 3.6
gentle spank
  • Informal
6.8
to tap
174 1.0

Surface Forms

gentle spank singular
gentle spanks plural

Morphology

gentle + spank

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'gentle' (mild) modifies 'spank' (a smack), so the combined meaning of a light, mild slap is directly derivable from the parts. The construction follows a common, cross-linguistic modifier pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

The phrase gentle spank comes from the image of a soft, quick slap on the arm or bottom. The word gentle shows it is light and spank is the quick tap, so the phrase means 'a light slap to get attention or correct small mischief'.