skank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (for the dance/music sense). Very Low in polite/formal contexts (for the derogatory sense).Slang; Vulgar/Offensive (for the derogatory sense). Informal (for the dance/music sense).
Quick answer
What does “skank” mean?
A noun, originally and primarily a highly offensive slang term for a woman, or sometimes a man, perceived as promiscuous, unclean, or of low moral character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A noun, originally and primarily a highly offensive slang term for a woman, or sometimes a man, perceived as promiscuous, unclean, or of low moral character.
1) As a verb in music/dance, to perform a rhythmic, shuffling dance style associated with ska and reggae. 2) As a noun in Jamaican slang, a worthless person or thing. 3) As a verb in informal use, to be disgusting or repellent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The derogatory noun is understood in both varieties. The verb for the dance style is more commonly known in the UK due to stronger historical links to Jamaican and ska culture.
Connotations
Overwhelmingly negative and offensive for the primary noun in both varieties. The dance verb is neutral or positive within its cultural context.
Frequency
The offensive term is avoided in mainstream media in both regions. The dance term has limited, specialist use.
Grammar
How to Use “skank” in a Sentence
Noun: definite/indefinite article + skank (e.g., *a skank*).Verb (dance): intransitive (e.g., *They skanked all night*).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The band was so good, the whole crowd started to skank.
- He learned to skank from his dad, who was a mod in the 70s.
American English
- At the ska festival, everyone skanked in unison to the upbeat rhythm.
adverb
British English
- [Usage as a pure adverb is very rare and non-standard.]
American English
- [Usage as a pure adverb is very rare and non-standard.]
adjective
British English
- He didn't want to stay in that skanky old hostel.
- She threw out the skanky leftovers from the fridge.
American English
- They drove through a pretty skanky part of town.
- Don't touch that, it's totally skanky!
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely inappropriate and never used.
Academic
Only possibly in ethnomusicology or cultural studies discussing the dance or derogatory language, always in quotes.
Everyday
Avoided in polite conversation due to offensiveness. The dance term might be used within specific music scenes.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skank”
- Using the derogatory term without understanding its extreme offensiveness.
- Misspelling as 'skanky' when using the adjective form.
- Assuming the dance verb is widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The derogatory sense is almost never acceptable as it is a severe insult. The dance sense is acceptable within the specific context of discussing ska or reggae music and culture.
Both are offensive, gendered slurs. 'Skank' often carries a stronger connotation of physical dirtiness or unattractiveness alongside promiscuity, whereas 'slut' focuses more narrowly on (perceived) promiscuity.
While primarily used against women, it can be applied to men, especially in the sense of being disgusting or morally repugnant, though this is less common.
It originates from Jamaican English, referring to the rhythmic guitar chop in reggae and ska music, and by extension, the dance done to that rhythm.
A noun, originally and primarily a highly offensive slang term for a woman, or sometimes a man, perceived as promiscuous, unclean, or of low moral character.
Skank is usually slang; vulgar/offensive (for the derogatory sense). informal (for the dance/music sense). in register.
Skank: in British English it is pronounced /skæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /skæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SKAnk' music makes you dance; a 'skank' is a person you'd avoid (rhymes with 'rank').
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/UNCLEANLINESS IS A BAD SMELL (linked to 'skanky' and 'rank').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'skank' potentially acceptable?