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brand-spankin’ Play audio

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "brand-spankin’" is an emphatic way of saying something is completely new, unused, and often impressive.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Southern

Pronunciation

[BRAND-spank-in]

Meaning & Usage

- Completely New (adjective)

Fresh and unused
Elmer:
Check out my brand-spankin’ boots.

Estel:
Reckon they still got the tags on 'em.

other spellings: brand new, brand-spankin new, and brand spankin'
★ If somebody says something's brand-spankin’, they might just be lookin’ for a reason to show it off. ★

Origin

The phrase combines "brand new" - in use since the 16th century, where "brand" referred to something fresh from the fire or forge - with "spankin’," a 17th-18th century term meaning "remarkably fine" or "impressive." The pairing "brand-spankin’ new" shows up in American English by the early 1800s, likely for rhythmic emphasis. The "spankin’" here has nothing to do with spanking a baby; it comes from the older sense of "spank" meaning to move briskly or to be striking in appearance.

Notes

The phrase is lighthearted and playful. In Appalachia, you'll hear it mostly for things that are new and worth bragging about - whether it's a tractor, a Sunday dress, or a pickup truck.

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Common Questions

Is "brand-spankin’" just slang for "new"?
Pretty much. It means very, very new - but it’s more colorful than just saying "new."
Where did "spankin’" come from in this phrase?
"Spankin’" here means impressive or striking, not literal spanking.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - it’s still heard in rural areas, in country music lyrics, and anytime someone wants to emphasize how new something is.
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