What does wank mean?
Wank is a highly vulgar word, used chiefly in British English, for the act of masturbation. As a verb, it means to masturbate; as a noun, it names that act. The word is blunt, informal, and unsuitable for polite or professional contexts, although it appears in dictionaries partly because it remains common in speech and humor. British speakers also use it figuratively for behavior or activity they regard as pointless, self-indulgent, or politically futile, as in the criticism that something is merely political wank. Its plainness can make it humorous in deliberately informal writing, but it can also sound needlessly aggressive when directed at another person. In North American English, wank is understood and sometimes used, especially online, but it is less prominent than in Britain. Its challenge is not identifying what it means but recognizing its strong register: using it casually can offend, while using it as an accusation often carries contempt as well as the literal sexual reference.
To masturbate; figuratively, to indulge in behavior regarded as pointless or self-absorbed.
"He continued wanking over the decision instead of doing anything useful."
The basic sexual sense is highly vulgar. Figurative uses are chiefly informal and often critical or dismissive.
An act of masturbation; figuratively, behavior or activity regarded as pointless, self-indulgent, or futile.
"The minister dismissed the proposal as political wank."
The noun is vulgar and informal. Its figurative use is especially associated with criticism of political or bureaucratic activity.
Although grammatically regular, the plural is uncommon; speakers usually use the singular even when referring to more than one occasion.
"The diary contains entries about late-night wanks."
One blunt little syllable: wank is British slang at its most unmistakably vulgar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wank come from?
Wank is attested in the early 18th century in its sexual sense. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, so no group of securely established cognates can confidently be identified.
Related word forms
How wank is actually used
Highly vulgar and informal. It is especially common in British English and may be deliberately comic in casual or satirical writing, but it is unsuitable for polite, formal, or professional contexts. In North American English it is understood and sometimes used, particularly online, but is less prominent than in Britain.