Skank

The term 'skank' carries a range of connotations, primarily referring to a person, often a woman, perceived as promiscuous, morally loose, or unkempt. This perception can be rooted in societal judgments about appearance, behavior, and sexual activity. The term is highly offensive and should be used with extreme caution, as it is often used to demean and insult. Its usage can be particularly harmful due to its potential to perpetuate misogyny and slut-shaming. Beyond its derogatory use for individuals, 'skank' can also be used, less commonly, to describe something of poor quality, generally in reference to an item or product of sub-par nature or worth. The impact of 'skank' and its social weight often derives from its disparaging characterisation and potential for damage.

Skank meaning with examples

• She was devastated by the hurtful rumors spread about her, claiming she was a skank due to her dating choices. The gossip caused her considerable emotional distress and social isolation. The label stuck, making it hard for her to form any new relationships, the rumors of her promiscuity making new and old acquaintances uncomfortable. The school board investigated and found nothing, however the accusations remained prevalent.
• He avoided the party entirely, afraid of the judgments he might face if he brought his girlfriend, fearing the whispering and labeling of 'skank' and its effects on their night. She was an attractive, strong woman, but they did not enjoy gossip and rumors, and they knew that it followed. Eventually, they left together, and he protected his wife and did not care what others thought, leaving without explanation. The impact was a lost chance at fun.
• The old car barely made it down the highway. It was a real skank, falling apart with every mile, and it barely ran. The interior smelled of mold and rust, and the seats were torn and stained. The engine sputtered and coughed, a sign of disrepair. The whole car was a symbol of its terrible ownership. This made for a hard decision to either repair it or leave it alone and sell it for scrap.
• Online, the anonymous troll hurled insults, calling her a 'skank' for expressing her opinions on social media. This resulted in her blocking the troll and leaving social media for a while. Many other commenters supported her choice, pointing out that his remarks were inappropriate and misogynistic. She was the target of hateful online abuse, a common byproduct of the internet, which eventually made her leave her chosen platform.
• The detective recoiled when he touched the doorknob, covered in a sticky, foul-smelling substance. 'What is this?' he asked. His partner grimaced. 'Looks like a skank of something vile,' she replied. The detectives cautiously opened the door, and the smell was overwhelming. The whole scene was a mess, and the police needed respirators to get to the center of it. The entire evidence room had a strange odor.