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
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.
A boy is scolded, engraving (1782).
"Die Strafpredikt" (The stern lecture, the berating), painting by Carl Schröder (1836).
Illustration by Charles Hirlemann.
For "to scold" (verb):
- to bawl so. out [coll.]
- to dress so. down
- to give so. a sermon
- to harangue so.
- to lambaste (can mean to scold, but also to give a thrashing)
- to rebuke
- to reprehend
- to reprimand
- to reprove
- to slate
- to snub
- to tell so. off
- to trounce
- to vituperate
For "scolding" (noun):
- tongue lashing
- tongue licking
 See also
- Mother discipining daughter (stock photo)
- Mother punishing daughter (stock photo)
- Mother scolding daughter (stock photo)
- Mixed race mother lecturing son (stock photo)
- Father scolding son (stock photo)
- Mid adult woman shouting on her daughter (stock photo)
- Mother scolding her daughter (stock photo)
- Boy standing with his mother and being scolded by his father (stock photo)
- Yashoda Scolding Krishna (Indian Art)
- Staged example photo (F/F)