Shanking: meaning, definitions and examples
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shanking
[ ˈʃæŋkɪŋ ]
prison slang
Shanking is a term used to describe the act of stabbing someone, particularly in a prison or gang-related context. This violent act is often done with a makeshift weapon and is typically associated with personal conflicts or territorial disputes among inmates. The act of shanking can have serious consequences, including severe injury or even death. It's a term that reflects the brutal reality of life in prison and the lengths individuals will go to defend themselves or assert dominance.
Synonyms
assault, knife attack, stabbing.
Examples of usage
- The inmate was found with a shank concealed in his cell.
- He was warned that a shanking could happen if he crossed the wrong people.
- The prison riot led to several shankings and injuries.
- Shanking is a serious issue in overcrowded correctional facilities.
Translations
Translations of the word "shanking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fatiar
🇮🇳 शेंकिंग
🇩🇪 Stechen
🇮🇩 menusuk
🇺🇦 шанкінг
🇵🇱 dźgnięcie
🇯🇵 シャンク
🇫🇷 coup de couteau
🇪🇸 apuñalamiento
🇹🇷 bıçaklama
🇰🇷 찌르기
🇸🇦 طعن
🇨🇿 bodnutí
🇸🇰 bodnutie
🇨🇳 刺击
🇸🇮 zaboditev
🇮🇸 stunga
🇰🇿 шаныштау
🇬🇪 ჩხვლეტა
🇦🇿 sancma
🇲🇽 apuñalamiento
Etymology
The term 'shank' comes from the Old English word 'sceanca,' meaning leg or limb, which was later adopted into slang to refer to a sharp object or a weapon. The evolution of the word reflects the violent contexts in which it is used. Its emergence in modern slang can be traced back to the prison system, particularly in the United States, during the late 20th century. As incarceration rates soared and prison culture became more defined, terms like shanking gained popularity to describe the stark realities of inmate life. The act of shanking often symbolizes power struggles within prisons, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise in those environments.