Pronunciation: [ʃˈaŋkt] (IPA) 
Shanked is a transitive verb that refers to hitting a golf ball with the club's heel, causing it to veer off course. It is pronounced /ʃæŋkt/ and spelled with a "sh" sound followed by the "a" sound as in "cat," and the "ng" sound followed by "k" sound as in "ink" and "sick." The stress falls on the first syllable, making it pronounced "SHANKT." Proper golfing techniques should be learned to avoid getting shanked.
The term "shanked" is a verb commonly used to describe an action or event where someone is stabbed or otherwise injured by a sharp or pointed object, such as a knife or a makeshift weapon. This word is often associated with criminal activities, particularly within correctional facilities or urban environments.
In its literal sense, "shanked" implies a forceful, deliberate, and targeted attack, resulting in a puncture wound or injury to the victim. The act of shanking usually involves a sudden and unexpected assault, often perpetrated with the intention to harm, intimidate, or assert dominance over the victim.
However, "shanked" can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or instances where someone is metaphorically stabbed or betrayed. This figurative usage typically implies a sense of sudden and unexpected betrayal or exploitation, akin to being ambushed or blindsided.
The term has gained popularity and recognition primarily within the realms of crime drama, prisons, and street culture. Its usage often portrays a sense of danger, aggression, or vulnerability; it underscores the risks and threats posed within certain environments.
Overall, "shanked" refers to an act of stabbing or injuring with a sharp object, whether literal or metaphorical, and conveys a potent combination of violence, surprise, and vulnerability, making it an evocative term in various contexts.
Having a shank.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "shanked" comes from the noun "shank", which has its roots in Old English. In Old English, "sceanca" meant "leg" or "shank", and it later evolved into "shank" in Middle English. The verb form "shank" was derived from the noun and refers to the action of striking or hitting someone with a sharp object, such as a knife or shiv. Over time, this verb transformed into "shanked", which specifically refers to stabbing or striking someone with a homemade weapon in prison or street slang.
