whipping

Whipping is the act of striking with a whip, or, in cooking and food preparation, the process of beating air into a substance to increase volume. A whip is a flexible lash attached to a handle, designed to deliver force to a distant target and to produce a sharp crack.

Whips come in various forms, including the bullwhip, the cat o' nine tails, and the riding crop. The crack is created when the tip of the lash exceeds the speed of sound, generating a small sonic boom. In practice, whips are used for signaling, training, or punishment in some historical contexts.

Social and legal context: Historically, whipping has been used as corporal punishment in prisons, military discipline, and plantation systems. In modern jurisdictions many countries restrict or ban corporal punishment, and animal welfare considerations discourage using whips in ways that cause undue pain to animals. In equestrian settings, whips are used as an aid to cue behavior but are subject to guidelines that seek to minimize harm.

Culinary use: Whipping, in cooking, refers to beating ingredients such as cream or egg whites with a whisk, fork, or mixer to incorporate air and increase volume. Whipped cream and meringue are common results. Over-whipping can separate fat or protein and alter texture, and different tools give different textures.

Ethical and safety notes: Whips can cause injury; handling requires training, respect for laws, and attention to animal welfare. When used, it should be appropriate to the context, with alternatives considered where possible.