Usage Note
fesse is almost always used in the plural fesses to refer to the buttocks as a whole. A light slap on the backside is une fessée. The word is informal but not vulgar. Fessier is the adjective (and noun) for the gluteal muscles.
Examples
"Il a reçu une fessée."
Natural Translation
He got a spanking.
Literal Translation
He received a spanking.

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