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Yank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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yank

[jรฆล‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

pull abruptly

To pull something abruptly with a quick, strong movement.

Synonyms

haul, jerk, pull.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yank

Used when describing a sudden and forceful pull, often without care or delicacy. It can have a slightly negative or aggressive connotation.

  • She yanked the door open.
  • He yanked the rope to get the bucket out of the well.
pull

A general term for dragging or tugging something towards oneself, suitable for most situations involving force or effort.

  • Can you help me pull this table across the room?
  • He pulled the curtains open to let in some light.
jerk

Describes a quick, sharp movement, usually abrupt and often unintended. It can also have an informal negative connotation when describing someone's behavior as rude or inconsiderate.

  • He gave the leash a quick jerk.
  • She jerked the steering wheel to avoid hitting the deer.
haul

This word is appropriate when talking about moving something heavy or with great effort over some distance. It often implies a considerable amount of work.

  • They had to haul the furniture up to the third floor.
  • The fishermen hauled in a large net of fish.

Examples of usage

  • He yanked the door open.
  • She yanked the book out of his hands.
Context #2 | Noun

American

A native or inhabitant of the United States.

Synonyms

American, US citizen, Yankee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yank

This term is often used informally or colloquially, sometimes in a playful or mildly derogatory way, especially by non-Americans to refer to people from the United States.

  • The Yank tourists were easy to spot with their loud clothing and cameras.
  • Oh, youโ€™re a Yank? Havenโ€™t seen many around here lately.
American

This is the most standard and neutral term to denote someone from the United States. It is suitable for formal, written, and spoken contexts.

  • She is an American journalist reporting on global issues.
  • As an American, he values his freedom and independence.
US citizen

This is a formal term often used in legal, governmental, or official contexts to specify someone holding citizenship of the United States.

  • Every US citizen has the right to vote in the election.
  • The embassy provides various services for US citizens living abroad.
Yankee

This term can be historical or regional, often referring to people from the northern United States. It can also be used in a historical context referring to Union soldiers in the American Civil War. Sometimes, it might be used in a more playful or derogatory way similar to 'Yank'.

  • During the Civil War, the Yankees fought against the Confederates.
  • Some Southern states still use the term 'Yankee' to describe people from the North.

Examples of usage

  • The movie portrays a typical yank family.
  • The yanks are known for their patriotism.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In sports, 'yanking' can refer to making a sudden, unexpected move, especially in games like football.
  • A famous cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, often uses 'yank' in comical situations to pull tricks on his opponents.
  • The phrase 'yank my chain' means to tease or bother someone, popularized in various TV shows.

Science

  • In physics, pulling something suddenly can create tension in objects, often studied in mechanics.
  • In a laboratory, researchers might yank samples from a machine during experiments to simulate rapid movements.
  • Yanking can refer to the quick pull when trying to extract DNA samples in genetic research.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often yank doors open or yank at their hair in moments of surprise or frustration.
  • Classic novels often use 'yank' to describe sudden, dramatic actions, adding to tension in storytelling.
  • Short stories sometimes feature a character yanking an item to indicate a moment of decisive action.

Psychology

  • The term can relate to stress responses, as a quick yank may be associated with sudden stress or urgency.
  • In therapeutic scenarios, demonstrating a yank motion might help illustrate impulses or reactions to emotional triggers.
  • Children may be more likely to yank toys in play, highlighting their spontaneous patterns of behavior.

Origin of 'yank'

Main points about word origin

  • The word likely comes from the Dutch word 'janken,' meaning to pull or jerk.
  • It became popular in American English in the 19th century, often used in descriptions of sudden movements.
  • Some sources suggest it might be related to an old English term 'yank,' meaning to pull.

The term 'yank' originated as a slang term for an inhabitant of the United States, particularly during the American Civil War. It is derived from the common nickname 'Yankee' for Americans, which has a complex history dating back to the colonial era. Over time, 'yank' has become more widely used to refer to Americans in general, both within and outside the United States.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,156, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.