What is a spanking machine? [closed]
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This is a conversation from the movie The Game (1997) (starting from about 11:00) starring Michael Douglas. Urban Dictionary suggests a spanking machine is when it is a child's birthday, that child gets spanked by other children. But there is no explanation as to why on Urban Dictionary. What is a spanking machine? And why do you have to be spanked on your birthday? And what does it mean here in the movie?
Elizabeth: Have you had a nice birthday?
Nick: Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress? I went, not once, but twice through the spanking machine.
meaning meaning-in-context phrase-meaning
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
closed as off-topic by Cardinal, Tᴚoɯɐuo, Andrew, choster, Varun Nair Dec 3 at 7:15
- This question does not appear to be about learning the English language within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
This is a conversation from the movie The Game (1997) (starting from about 11:00) starring Michael Douglas. Urban Dictionary suggests a spanking machine is when it is a child's birthday, that child gets spanked by other children. But there is no explanation as to why on Urban Dictionary. What is a spanking machine? And why do you have to be spanked on your birthday? And what does it mean here in the movie?
Elizabeth: Have you had a nice birthday?
Nick: Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress? I went, not once, but twice through the spanking machine.
meaning meaning-in-context phrase-meaning
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
closed as off-topic by Cardinal, Tᴚoɯɐuo, Andrew, choster, Varun Nair Dec 3 at 7:15
- This question does not appear to be about learning the English language within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
3
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
3
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
This is a conversation from the movie The Game (1997) (starting from about 11:00) starring Michael Douglas. Urban Dictionary suggests a spanking machine is when it is a child's birthday, that child gets spanked by other children. But there is no explanation as to why on Urban Dictionary. What is a spanking machine? And why do you have to be spanked on your birthday? And what does it mean here in the movie?
Elizabeth: Have you had a nice birthday?
Nick: Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress? I went, not once, but twice through the spanking machine.
meaning meaning-in-context phrase-meaning
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
This is a conversation from the movie The Game (1997) (starting from about 11:00) starring Michael Douglas. Urban Dictionary suggests a spanking machine is when it is a child's birthday, that child gets spanked by other children. But there is no explanation as to why on Urban Dictionary. What is a spanking machine? And why do you have to be spanked on your birthday? And what does it mean here in the movie?
Elizabeth: Have you had a nice birthday?
Nick: Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress? I went, not once, but twice through the spanking machine.
meaning meaning-in-context phrase-meaning
meaning meaning-in-context phrase-meaning
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
edited Dec 1 at 2:33
jwodder
13514
13514
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
asked Nov 30 at 19:15
L. Moneta
2,62621237
2,62621237
closed as off-topic by Cardinal, Tᴚoɯɐuo, Andrew, choster, Varun Nair Dec 3 at 7:15
- This question does not appear to be about learning the English language within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as off-topic by Cardinal, Tᴚoɯɐuo, Andrew, choster, Varun Nair Dec 3 at 7:15
- This question does not appear to be about learning the English language within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
3
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
3
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37
add a comment |
3
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
3
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37
3
3
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
3
3
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
It is a tradition in some countries to playfully spank someone on their birthday, once for each year in the new age. (In other words, a 12-year-old would be spanked 12 times.)
In my experience, this gets talked about more than it actually gets done. People might tease about it, but not everyone gets smacked on the bottom just because it's their birthday. And, even if people have gotten spanked, I imagine the tradition is trending downward.
As for the term in this passage, spanking machine, as others have mentioned in comments, it's not a commonly-used term. However, I think its meaning can be deduced. One person might strike someone repeatedly in a mechanical way, or a group of partygoers might take turns in a rhythmic fashion. Either one of these could turn the spanker(s) into a spanking machine.
One example of a related tradition is found in the Wikipedia article for running the gauntlet:
The original meanings of the phrase notwithstanding, the expression (to run) the gauntlet has been applied to various less severe punishments or tests, often consisting of consecutive blows or tasks endured sequentially and delivered collectively, especially by colleagues such as roommates or fraternity brothers. As these do not usually cause serious injuries, only bearable pain, the rituals are sometimes eagerly anticipated by the initiate as a sign of acceptance into a more prestigious group.
The phrase running the gauntlet has also been used, informally, to express the idea of a public but painless, ritual humiliation such as the walk of shame or perp walk, or to indicate a series of difficult trials that one must overcome.
It's meant to be playful fun, but could easily get out of hand and cross the boundaries of civility, politeness, and appropriateness.
It's also worth noting that the word machine can also be used figuratively and applied to people. For example, in a recent headline, hockey player Patrick Laine was called a "goal scoring machine" after scoring 76 goals while still being under the age of 20. In a 2017 article, baseball slugger Aaron Judge was said to be "more than just a home run machine." The word can be used to describe an organization as well. One business article states:
The number of lawsuits filed by NCT has become a national phenomena with one Businessweek reporter describing NCT as a “lawsuit machine,” filing more than one lawsuit per day in some states.
In a similar way, people dishing out birthday spankings could be said to be a "spanking machine."
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
It is a tradition in some countries to playfully spank someone on their birthday, once for each year in the new age. (In other words, a 12-year-old would be spanked 12 times.)
In my experience, this gets talked about more than it actually gets done. People might tease about it, but not everyone gets smacked on the bottom just because it's their birthday. And, even if people have gotten spanked, I imagine the tradition is trending downward.
As for the term in this passage, spanking machine, as others have mentioned in comments, it's not a commonly-used term. However, I think its meaning can be deduced. One person might strike someone repeatedly in a mechanical way, or a group of partygoers might take turns in a rhythmic fashion. Either one of these could turn the spanker(s) into a spanking machine.
One example of a related tradition is found in the Wikipedia article for running the gauntlet:
The original meanings of the phrase notwithstanding, the expression (to run) the gauntlet has been applied to various less severe punishments or tests, often consisting of consecutive blows or tasks endured sequentially and delivered collectively, especially by colleagues such as roommates or fraternity brothers. As these do not usually cause serious injuries, only bearable pain, the rituals are sometimes eagerly anticipated by the initiate as a sign of acceptance into a more prestigious group.
The phrase running the gauntlet has also been used, informally, to express the idea of a public but painless, ritual humiliation such as the walk of shame or perp walk, or to indicate a series of difficult trials that one must overcome.
It's meant to be playful fun, but could easily get out of hand and cross the boundaries of civility, politeness, and appropriateness.
It's also worth noting that the word machine can also be used figuratively and applied to people. For example, in a recent headline, hockey player Patrick Laine was called a "goal scoring machine" after scoring 76 goals while still being under the age of 20. In a 2017 article, baseball slugger Aaron Judge was said to be "more than just a home run machine." The word can be used to describe an organization as well. One business article states:
The number of lawsuits filed by NCT has become a national phenomena with one Businessweek reporter describing NCT as a “lawsuit machine,” filing more than one lawsuit per day in some states.
In a similar way, people dishing out birthday spankings could be said to be a "spanking machine."
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
It is a tradition in some countries to playfully spank someone on their birthday, once for each year in the new age. (In other words, a 12-year-old would be spanked 12 times.)
In my experience, this gets talked about more than it actually gets done. People might tease about it, but not everyone gets smacked on the bottom just because it's their birthday. And, even if people have gotten spanked, I imagine the tradition is trending downward.
As for the term in this passage, spanking machine, as others have mentioned in comments, it's not a commonly-used term. However, I think its meaning can be deduced. One person might strike someone repeatedly in a mechanical way, or a group of partygoers might take turns in a rhythmic fashion. Either one of these could turn the spanker(s) into a spanking machine.
One example of a related tradition is found in the Wikipedia article for running the gauntlet:
The original meanings of the phrase notwithstanding, the expression (to run) the gauntlet has been applied to various less severe punishments or tests, often consisting of consecutive blows or tasks endured sequentially and delivered collectively, especially by colleagues such as roommates or fraternity brothers. As these do not usually cause serious injuries, only bearable pain, the rituals are sometimes eagerly anticipated by the initiate as a sign of acceptance into a more prestigious group.
The phrase running the gauntlet has also been used, informally, to express the idea of a public but painless, ritual humiliation such as the walk of shame or perp walk, or to indicate a series of difficult trials that one must overcome.
It's meant to be playful fun, but could easily get out of hand and cross the boundaries of civility, politeness, and appropriateness.
It's also worth noting that the word machine can also be used figuratively and applied to people. For example, in a recent headline, hockey player Patrick Laine was called a "goal scoring machine" after scoring 76 goals while still being under the age of 20. In a 2017 article, baseball slugger Aaron Judge was said to be "more than just a home run machine." The word can be used to describe an organization as well. One business article states:
The number of lawsuits filed by NCT has become a national phenomena with one Businessweek reporter describing NCT as a “lawsuit machine,” filing more than one lawsuit per day in some states.
In a similar way, people dishing out birthday spankings could be said to be a "spanking machine."
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
It is a tradition in some countries to playfully spank someone on their birthday, once for each year in the new age. (In other words, a 12-year-old would be spanked 12 times.)
In my experience, this gets talked about more than it actually gets done. People might tease about it, but not everyone gets smacked on the bottom just because it's their birthday. And, even if people have gotten spanked, I imagine the tradition is trending downward.
As for the term in this passage, spanking machine, as others have mentioned in comments, it's not a commonly-used term. However, I think its meaning can be deduced. One person might strike someone repeatedly in a mechanical way, or a group of partygoers might take turns in a rhythmic fashion. Either one of these could turn the spanker(s) into a spanking machine.
One example of a related tradition is found in the Wikipedia article for running the gauntlet:
The original meanings of the phrase notwithstanding, the expression (to run) the gauntlet has been applied to various less severe punishments or tests, often consisting of consecutive blows or tasks endured sequentially and delivered collectively, especially by colleagues such as roommates or fraternity brothers. As these do not usually cause serious injuries, only bearable pain, the rituals are sometimes eagerly anticipated by the initiate as a sign of acceptance into a more prestigious group.
The phrase running the gauntlet has also been used, informally, to express the idea of a public but painless, ritual humiliation such as the walk of shame or perp walk, or to indicate a series of difficult trials that one must overcome.
It's meant to be playful fun, but could easily get out of hand and cross the boundaries of civility, politeness, and appropriateness.
It's also worth noting that the word machine can also be used figuratively and applied to people. For example, in a recent headline, hockey player Patrick Laine was called a "goal scoring machine" after scoring 76 goals while still being under the age of 20. In a 2017 article, baseball slugger Aaron Judge was said to be "more than just a home run machine." The word can be used to describe an organization as well. One business article states:
The number of lawsuits filed by NCT has become a national phenomena with one Businessweek reporter describing NCT as a “lawsuit machine,” filing more than one lawsuit per day in some states.
In a similar way, people dishing out birthday spankings could be said to be a "spanking machine."
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
It is a tradition in some countries to playfully spank someone on their birthday, once for each year in the new age. (In other words, a 12-year-old would be spanked 12 times.)
In my experience, this gets talked about more than it actually gets done. People might tease about it, but not everyone gets smacked on the bottom just because it's their birthday. And, even if people have gotten spanked, I imagine the tradition is trending downward.
As for the term in this passage, spanking machine, as others have mentioned in comments, it's not a commonly-used term. However, I think its meaning can be deduced. One person might strike someone repeatedly in a mechanical way, or a group of partygoers might take turns in a rhythmic fashion. Either one of these could turn the spanker(s) into a spanking machine.
One example of a related tradition is found in the Wikipedia article for running the gauntlet:
The original meanings of the phrase notwithstanding, the expression (to run) the gauntlet has been applied to various less severe punishments or tests, often consisting of consecutive blows or tasks endured sequentially and delivered collectively, especially by colleagues such as roommates or fraternity brothers. As these do not usually cause serious injuries, only bearable pain, the rituals are sometimes eagerly anticipated by the initiate as a sign of acceptance into a more prestigious group.
The phrase running the gauntlet has also been used, informally, to express the idea of a public but painless, ritual humiliation such as the walk of shame or perp walk, or to indicate a series of difficult trials that one must overcome.
It's meant to be playful fun, but could easily get out of hand and cross the boundaries of civility, politeness, and appropriateness.
It's also worth noting that the word machine can also be used figuratively and applied to people. For example, in a recent headline, hockey player Patrick Laine was called a "goal scoring machine" after scoring 76 goals while still being under the age of 20. In a 2017 article, baseball slugger Aaron Judge was said to be "more than just a home run machine." The word can be used to describe an organization as well. One business article states:
The number of lawsuits filed by NCT has become a national phenomena with one Businessweek reporter describing NCT as a “lawsuit machine,” filing more than one lawsuit per day in some states.
In a similar way, people dishing out birthday spankings could be said to be a "spanking machine."
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
edited Dec 1 at 0:19
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
answered Nov 30 at 21:09
J.R.♦
97.2k8126242
97.2k8126242
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
add a comment |
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
2
2
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
+1 for explaining that it's often more teasing than hitting.
– ColleenV♦
Nov 30 at 22:08
add a comment |
3
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it isn't about the English language per se.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
Nov 30 at 20:08
3
@Tᴚoɯɐuo I think J.R.'s excellent answer demonstrates that there is indeed an element of usage/meaning here, and the question therefore makes a useful contribution to ELL's library of detailed answers for those learning English. It's not just about explaining the social custom, it's about how the word "machine" can be used metaphorically.
– Chappo
Dec 1 at 0:37