Definition of the word skank

The origin of the word "skank" is a subject of debate, and its exact origins are not entirely clear. However, the term has been in use in various English dialects for over two centuries. The earliest recorded use of "skank" was in the late 18th century in Scotland, where it referred to a person with dirty or unclean habits. By the 19th century, the word had also come to mean a promiscuous or immoral woman. Alternative theories suggest that "skank" originated from the Low German word "schank," meaning a "quantity sold at retail" or "pouring," which may have been used in relation to the sale of alcohol and the behavior of its customers. Others have associated it with the Scots Gaelic word "scanch," meaning "a loose woman." Regardless of its origins, "skank" has become a derogatory term for a woman who is thought to be promiscuous or sexually available, often associated with poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, and low social status. Its usage is considered insulting and should be avoided in polite society.