shank

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: nank

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To stab, especially with an improvised blade.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To remove another's trousers, especially in jest; to depants.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “shank” mean?

To stab, especially with an improvised blade.

Is “shank” formal or informal?

shank is generally slang.