Scolding

"Scolding", drawing by Barbossasdaughter (2009).

"Uncle Bill and his three nieces", drawing by Mishi (2008).

Scolding is the process of admonishing a delinquent, telling him or her what faults s/he has committed, and what punishment will follow. A scolding is the dialogue or monologue so delivered.

Scolding typically uses negative verbalizations, but there is also positive scolding. The typical (and intended) effect of a scolding comes mainly from the scolder's tone of voice and body language and only to a lesser degree from the words used. A typical gesture during scolding is showing the pointed index finger, like a stick, or wagging the finger.

Scolding and punishment[edit]

Scolding is a traditional part of domestic spanking and school corporal punishment. It is therefore common in spanking and BDSM scenes where such punishments are played out. In some cases the scolding is extended and forms and important part of the scene. Sometimes the scolding is combined with the spanking, with swats used to punctuate or emphasize points in the scolding. In other cases a more or less elaborate ritual is played out, such as: scolding, followed by corner time, followed by the actual spanking, followed by further corner time, followed by forgiveness and displays of affection.

Often a scolding can be a source of humiliation, particularly when it is public.

A boy is scolded, engraving (1782).
"Die Strafpredikt" (The stern lecture, the berating), painting by Carl Schröder (1836).
Vintage illustration.
Heidi gets a scolding.
Illustration by Charles Hirlemann.