What does shanking mean?
Shanking means moving or running very quickly, often with an impression of energy, urgency, or lack of care. The expression “shank it” means to hurry along, as in “Let’s shank it to the station before the train leaves.” In a less literal sense, shanking refers to cheating or deceiving someone, particularly by copying another person’s work during an examination or school assignment. It can also describe tricking someone financially, although this use is less common. The word is informal and often slightly dismissive or critical when applied to dishonest behaviour. Its vivid movement sense has made it useful in speech and informal writing, where “shanking along” conveys a hurried rush more strongly than simply “going quickly.”
To move or run very quickly, especially on foot.
"He shanked across the road to catch the bus."
Informal; often implies hurried or energetic movement.
To cheat, deceive, or swindle someone.
"The company was accused of shanking customers with false promises."
The educational sense is especially common; the broader sense is informal and generally critical.
In its literal sense, shanking means moving fast; in schools, the same word can mean copying or passing off someone else's work as your own.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shanking come from?
Shanking derives from the verb “shank,” a longstanding informal word for running or moving fast. The noun “shank” is recorded from Middle English and descends from Old English “scanca,” meaning the leg or shin. The cheating sense developed from the idea of slipping away or evading responsibility, and is especially common in educational and fraudulent contexts.
Related word forms
How shanking is actually used
The sense of moving quickly is informal and often implies hurried, energetic movement. The senses involving cheating are especially associated with educational settings and may sound accusatory.