Spanking is a form of corporal punishment that generally consists of striking the buttocks. The recipient is usually a child or teenager. It is usually administered by a parent or by school staff. However, the term applies no matter who the recipient is. In North America, the word "spanking" has often been used as a synonym for an official paddling in school, and sometimes even as a euphemism for the formal corporal punishment of adults in an institution.

Erotic spanking is the act of spanking another person for the sexual gratification of either or both parties. Activities range from occasional sexual roleplay (such as age play) to domestic discipline and may involve the use of a hand or the use of a variety of spanking implements, such as a spanking paddle or cane. Many cultures describe pain as an aphrodisiac. For example, the Kama Sutra, in particular, goes into specific detail on how to properly strike a partner during sex. A spanking may be carried out with the use of a bare hand, or with a spanking implement such as a paddle, strap, hairbrush or belt.

Various implements can be used for spanking, such as a cane, riding crop, whip, switch (rod), birch, gloves, sneakers, slippers,, rulers (even a yardstick) or martinet. Erotic spankings are commonly combined with other forms of sexual foreplay, such as oral sex, sexual roleplaying and/or ageplay. The most common type of erotic spanking is administered on the bare buttocks, but can also be combined with bondage, in order to heighten sexual arousal and feelings of helplessness.

A spanking paddle is a wooden instrument with a long, flat face and narrow neck, existing in various sizes and dimensions, used to administer corporal punishment to the buttocks, especially in North America. It is rarely found in the rest of the English-speaking world, where the same purpose is typically served by a rattan cane.

In British English, most dictionaries define "spanking" as being given only with the open hand.However, in common usage, a spanking may be given with a hand-like implement such as a hairbrush or a slipper. In American English, dictionaries define spanking as being administered with either the open hand or an implement such as a paddle.Thus, the standard form of corporal punishment in US schools (licks with a paddle) is often referred to as a spanking, whereas its pre-1997 English equivalent (strokes of the cane) would never have been so described.

In Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the word "smacking" is generally used in preference to "spanking" to describe striking with the punisher's open hand, rather than with an implement. Whereas a spanking is invariably administered to the buttocks, a smacking is less specific and may refer to slapping the child's hands, arms or legs as well as its buttocks.

Some countries now prohibit spanking as a form of discipline, even by parents, and many organizations dedicated to the health of children nowadays oppose it. They believe the young person does not benefit from being spanked and might even be harmed. Other groups, such as some parents' groups, maintain that moderate spanking is a useful disciplinary tool in the context of a stable family life. Opinions remain sharply divided, and there is absolutely no consensus on the issue. Academic research findings are inconclusive, and hotly contested.

Positions which may be used to administer a spanking include:

Those who are interested in the practice giving or receiving erotic spankings are sometimes referred to spankophiles.

Spanking Terminology
Dom (or Domme for a woman): The term is short for "Dominant" and refers to the person in the spanking relationship as the one who delivers the spanking. In lifestyle spanking, the Dom assumes the role of caretaker and disciplinarian.

Implement: Refers to the object being used to deliver the spanking.

Safe word: This is a word in which participants within a spanking session agree to use to signify that the consensual spanking should be stopped. The word is necessary because spanking frequently occurs within the context of a role play where it is typical for the spanked individual to protest.

Spanking Session: This is the time in which the participants are engaged in the act of spanking. Some consider any role play leading up to and afterwards to be a part of the session.

Sub: The term is short for "Submissive" and refers to the person in the spanking relationship as the one who receives the spanking.

Subspace: This is a euphoric physical and mental state achieved by the spankee during the course of a spanking session.

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