Energetic, lively, and full of spirit or vigor; something or someone that's fresh and striking.
From 'spank' (to hit or slap), with the '-y' suffix added; popularized in the 1930s via 'Spanky' from 'Our Gang' comedy series, giving the word a playful, youthful connotation.
The word 'spanky' became iconic through the 'Our Gang/Little Rascals' character Spanky McFarland in the 1930s, making a real name into an adjective that captured childhood mischief and energy.
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