A scolding is the angry talk itself — the telling-off you get when someone scolds you. If Dad scolds you for coming home late, you got a scolding. People say “a good scolding” for a strong one and “a mild scolding” for one that stings only a little. You will also meet the -ing as the action happening now: “She is scolding the dog.” And a scolding look or a scolding tone can tell you off without many words at all. It is the same idea as scold; this form names the act, or shows it in progress. It is everyday English, a little old-fashioned in stories, still very alive at home.