Shank: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆต
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shank

 

[ สƒรฆล‹k ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

body part

The term 'shank' refers to the part of the leg in humans or animals that is located between the knee and the ankle. In culinary contexts, it can also denote a particular cut of meat from the leg of an animal. Additionally, in legal contexts, 'shank' can refer to a makeshift weapon, often created in prisons. Overall, the usage of 'shank' varies significantly depending on the context in which it is used, leading to multiple interpretations.

Synonyms

leg, meat cut, weapon

Examples of usage

  • The shank of the leg is critical for movement.
  • I ordered a shank of lamb for dinner.
  • He made a shank from a piece of metal in prison.
  • The doctor examined the shank for any injuries.
Context #2 | Verb

slang

In slang terms, to 'shank' someone means to stab them, typically with a makeshift weapon. This usage is often associated with prison culture or violent altercations. The act of shanking can imply a sudden, stealthy attack intended to inflict harm on another individual.

Synonyms

attack, cut, stab

Examples of usage

  • He was shanked during the fight.
  • You need to be careful, or you might get shanked in prison.
  • They talked about the dangers of being shanked.
  • He was rushed to the hospital after being shanked.

Translations

Translations of the word "shank" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น punhal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเค•เฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Messer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pisau

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nรณลผ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŠใ‚คใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท couteau

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cuchillo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bฤฑรงak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์นผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nลฏลพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรดลพ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ noลพ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnรญfur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟั‹ัˆะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฉแƒแƒฅแƒฃแƒฉแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bฤฑรงaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cuchillo

Word origin

The word 'shank' has its origins from the Old English 'sceanca', which meant 'lower leg' or 'shin'. This term has evolved over the centuries while retaining its association with the leg. The culinary application of the term referring to a specific cut of meat likely developed later, as culinary practices evolved. By the late 19th century, the usage of 'shank' expanded in slang to denote a knife or stabbing instrument, commonly used in criminal contexts, especially within prisons. This diversified meaning reflects both the physical element (the leg) and the social implications (in terms of violence) that have become associated with the word.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,400, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.