What is "skank"

"unattractive woman," 1965, perhaps from skag in this sense (1920s), of unknown origin. Verbal meaning "dance to reggae music" is 1976, probably not the same word, but also of unknown origin. Related: Skanking.

Etymology 1 n. Any substance that is particularly foul, unhygienic or unpleasant. Etymology 2

n. (context pejorative slang English) A lewdly unattractive and disreputable person, often female, especially one with an air of tawdry promiscuity. Etymology 3

n. A dance performed to sk

1. v

2. To dance the skank Etymology 4

   n. The act of cheating a person. vb. (context transitive English) To cheat, especially a friend.

1. n. any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant [syn: filth, crud]

2. a rhythmic dance to reggae music performed by bending forward and extending the hands while bending the knees

Skank is a Brazilian band from Belo Horizonte. Having begun in 1991, they sold approximately 5,200,000 copies of their albums as of 2004. Initially intending to mix dancehall with traditional Brazilian styles, later the band changed its sonority to music closer to Britpop and local movement Clube da Esquina.

Skanking is a form of dancing practiced in the ska, ska punk, hardcore punk, reggae, jump-up (a drum and bass subgenre) and other music scenes.

The dance style originated in the 1950s or 1960s at Jamaican dance halls, where ska music was played. British mods and skinheads of the 1960s appropriated these types of dances and altered them. The dancing style was revived during the 1970s and 1980s 2 Tone era, and has been adopted by some individuals in the hardcore punk subculture.

Originally, skanking consisted of a “running man” motion of the legs to the beat while alternating bent-elbow fist-punches, left and right. Over time, however, variations have emerged across the musical world. The punk version features a sharp striking out look with the arms, and is sometimes used in moshing to knock around others doing the same. However, this is rarely seen as an act of true aggression but rather a consensual release of emotion.

This rough appearance tends to lead to negative stereotypes of violence, though they are rare at best and almost never tolerated by venue operators, bands, or other audience members. While the flailing, swinging , and pushing may appear dangerous, there is almost always a conscious effort by each dancer in the 'pit' to refrain from actually striking or hurting each other dancer. Additionally, should any one person trip and fall, others in the group tend to avoid trampling them, or even help them to get back up.

The style, speed, and moves used when skanking are as diverse as the music it is performed to, usually dictated by its rhythm and genre. An example of this is the lighter style known as 'Stroll' which has become popularized by American ska bands, mainly Big D and the Kids Table. In this style, dancers tend to 'stroll' in a circle around the center 'pit' while rhythmically swaying from side to side with arms bent and marching in sync to the music.

Skank may refer to:

• a slang term for a promiscuous female
• Skank (guitar), a guitar technique used in reggae, ska, and rocksteady
• Skank (dance), a form of dance related to ska, grime and hardcore punk
• Skank (band), a Brazilian rock/pop/reggae/ska band
  • Skank (album), the band's self-titled debut album
• Skank (magazine), a British satirical magazine published 1994-97
• Skank the puppet, from The Ben Stiller Show

Skank is the self-titled debut album by Brazilian rock band Skank. Released independently in 1992 with 3,000 copies, the album sold 1,200 in 45 days and drew the attention of Sony BMG, who re-released the album on its new Chaos label. The album sold approximately 250,000 copies.

Skank had the hits "Tanto" (a Portuguese-language version of Bob Dylan's "I Want You"), "O Homem Que Sabia Demais", and "In(dig)nação".

Skank was a British satirical magazine published between 1994 and 1997 by Acreforce Ltd, an offshoot of X Press. It was aimed primarily at younger British Blacks.