Caning is a form of corporal punishment (see that article for generalities and alternatives) consisting of a number of hits (known as strokes or cuts) with a single cane usually made of rattan, generally applied to the offender's bare or clothed buttocks (see spanking) or hand (s) (on the palm).aning as a school punishment for boys is still routine in a number of formerly British territories including Singapore, Malaysia and Zimbabwe. See Caning in Singapore#School caning.