Editing Spanking (section)

==Terminology==
{{corporal punishment}}

In [[American English]], dictionaries define spanking as being administered with either the open hand or an implement such as a [[paddle (spanking)|paddle]].<ref>American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: "Spank: To slap on the buttocks with a flat object or with the open hand, as for punishment."</ref> Thus, the standard form of corporal punishment in US schools (use of a paddle) is often referred to as a ''spanking''. In [[North America]], the word "spanking" has often been used as a synonym for an official paddling in school,<ref>E.g. "Corporal punishment — spanking or paddling the student — may be used as a discipline management technique .... The instrument to be used in administering corporal punishment shall be approved by the principal or designee".[http://www.mwpisd.esc18.net/mhs/student_handbook/07_08/stu_handbook07_08.htm Texas Association of School Boards&nbsp;– Standard Code of Conduct wording.] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20070625124440/http://www.mwpisd.esc18.net/mhs/student_handbook/07_08/stu_handbook07_08.htm |date=25 June 2007 }}</ref> and sometimes even as a euphemism for the formal corporal punishment of adults in an institution.<ref>See e.g. [https://www.corpun.com/cajur3.htm Evidence of Colonel G. Headly Basher, Deputy Minister for Reform Institutions, Ontario], Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons on Capital and Corporal Punishment and Lotteries, Canada, 1953–55.</ref>

In [[British English]], most dictionaries define "spanking" as being given only with the open hand.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary: "Spank: To slap or smack (a person, esp. a child) with the open hand." Collins English Dictionary: "Spank: To slap or smack with the open hand, esp. on the buttocks."</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the word "smacking" is generally used in preference to "spanking" when describing striking with an open hand, rather than with an implement. Whereas a spanking is invariably administered to the bottom, a "smacking" is less specific and may refer to slapping the child's hands, arms, or legs as well as its bottom.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary: "Smack: To strike (a person, part of the body, etc.) with the open hand or with something having a flat surface; to slap. Also spec. to chastise (a child) in this manner and fig."</ref>