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noun

skank

SKANGK

Skank (noun) means a dance style performed to ska, reggae, or dub music, with a distinctive rhythmic bounce. Example: “The crowd started to skank as soon as the horns kicked in.”

noun
1
A dance style performed to ska, reggae, or dub music, with a distinctive rhythmic bounce.
"The crowd started to skank as soon as the horns kicked in."
2
A crude slang term for a disreputable or promiscuous person, usually used as an insult.

How to use skank

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMainly used for the reggae/ska dance style; also exists as a vulgar insult, which is offensive and best avoided.

When to use it

The insult sense is vulgar and demeaning; avoid it in polite or formal contexts.

Word forms

more skank comparative, skanked past tense, skanked past tense, skanks plural, skanks plural, skanks plural, skanks singular, skanks singular, most skank superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The crowd started to _____ as soon as the horns kicked in.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly related to the older slang word "skag," itself of unknown origin.

Related words

Rhymes for skank

See all rhymes for skank →

Frequently asked questions

What does “skank” mean?

The word “skank” means a dance style performed to ska, reggae, or dub music, with a distinctive rhythmic bounce. In plain terms, mainly used for the reggae/ska dance style; also exists as a vulgar insult, which is offensive and best avoided.

How do you pronounce “skank”?

“Skank” is pronounced SKANGK (/ˈskeɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).

How do you use “skank” in a sentence?

Here is “skank” used in a sentence: “The crowd started to skank as soon as the horns kicked in.”

What part of speech is “skank”?

“Skank” is a noun.

How many meanings does “skank” have?

“Skank” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dance style performed to ska, reggae, or dub music, with a distinctive rhythmic bounce.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial