spanking-new

the compound 'spanking-new' is a relatively modern english formation. the word 'spanking' originates from the verb 'to spank,' meaning to slap, which itself is of imitative origin. by the late 17th century, 'spanking' had evolved an adverbial sense meaning 'very' or 'exceptionally,' used as an intensive to emphasize size, speed, or, as here, newness. it is combined with the ancient adjective 'new,' from proto-germanic 'newjaz,' to create a vivid colloquial term suggesting something so fresh it seems to sparkle or crackle with newness, as if just delivered with a brisk, lively impact.

Structure: spanking (sense) + new (sense) spanking (english, present participle of 'spank' used as an intensive adverb); new (old english 'nīwe', adjective meaning 'recently made or created').