gank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (common in gaming/online subcultures)Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “gank” mean?
To steal or take something dishonestly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To steal or take something dishonestly; to set up a surprise attack, often with unfair advantage.
In gaming slang, to ambush or eliminate another player unexpectedly, especially in multiplayer online games. In broader slang, can refer to acquiring something through trickery or opportunistic theft.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is predominantly used in American online/gaming subcultures. British usage mirrors the American but is slightly less frequent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: negative, implying unfair play or theft.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, but understood in global English gaming communities.
Grammar
How to Use “gank” in a Sentence
[Subject] ganks [Object] (e.g., The jungler ganked the mid-laner).[Subject] gets ganked by [Agent] (e.g., I got ganked by their whole team).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Their jungler will likely try to gank the top lane early.
- He ganked my bike from the rack!
American English
- The assassin ganked me right after I respawned.
- Did someone just gank my fries?
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as an adjective.
American English
- (Rare) That was a gank move, bro.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Very rare outside of gaming contexts; can be used jokingly among friends to mean 'steal' (e.g., 'Who ganked my last slice of pizza?').
Technical
Specific jargon in esports and multiplayer online gaming commentary and strategy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gank”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a noun only (it is primarily a verb).
- Confusing it with 'yank'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a recognized slang term in modern English, particularly within gaming and online communities, and is found in many contemporary dictionaries of slang.
Yes, but rarely. It can be used humorously or informally among people familiar with gaming slang to mean 'steal' or 'take sneakily' (e.g., 'You ganked my seat!').
It is most commonly used as a transitive verb (e.g., to gank someone). Its use as a noun (e.g., 'a successful gank') is also common within gaming.
Not inherently offensive, but it carries a negative connotation of unfairness or theft. Its acceptability depends entirely on the informal context.
To steal or take something dishonestly.
Gank is usually informal, slang in register.
Gank: in British English it is pronounced /ɡæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Got ganked! (exclamation of surprise/frustration after being ambushed).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tank' sneaking up on you – but it's a 'G'ank, as in 'Gotcha!' – an unfair grab.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WARFARE / ACQUISITION IS THEFT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gank' MOST appropriate?