Shiv vs. Shank — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A shiv is a makeshift stabbing weapon, often made from available materials. A shank, on the other hand, can refer both to a makeshift weapon similar to a shiv or to the part of an object that connects the handle to the operational end.
Difference Between Shiv and Shank
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Key Differences
A shiv is primarily understood as an improvised weapon used for stabbing. It is often fashioned from available materials such as broken glass, sharpened plastic, or metal. Shivs are commonly associated with prison culture but can also be found in other contexts where conventional weapons are unavailable. Shank, meanwhile, has a broader range of meanings. It can refer to a makeshift stabbing weapon similar to a shiv, but it can also refer to the long, narrow part of an object like a tool, key, or screw that connects the handle to the operational end.
Both shiv and shank can serve similar purposes when used as weapons. However, the term shiv is more specialized, solely designating a homemade stabbing implement. Shank has a more general application, allowing it to describe various parts of objects beyond just improvised weapons. For instance, in woodworking, the shank refers to the part of a drill bit that fits into the drill's chuck.
The origins of the words shiv and shank also differ. Shiv is derived from Romani "chivomengro," meaning knife, and has a specific criminal connotation. Shank, on the other hand, comes from Old English "sceanca," meaning leg, shin, or shank, and has broader applications in language and is not inherently associated with criminality.
In summary, while both shiv and shank can describe makeshift stabbing weapons, they differ in specialization and application. Shiv is more specific, focusing solely on its function as a weapon. Shank, however, has a broader range of meanings and can describe parts of various objects beyond just weapons.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Improvised stabbing weapon
Makeshift weapon or part of an object
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Usage Context
Primarily prisons
Various contexts
Specialization
Solely a weapon
Can be a weapon or a component
Origin
Romani
Old English
Criminal Connotation
Yes
No, unless used as a weapon
Compare with Definitions
Shiv
Improvised stabbing weapon.
He made a shiv out of a toothbrush.
Shank
Makeshift stabbing weapon.
He was attacked with a shank in prison.
Shiv
Makeshift knife.
She used a shiv to defend herself.
Shank
Cut of meat from animal's leg.
I cooked lamb shank for dinner.
Shiv
Crudely fashioned pointed object.
He was caught carrying a shiv during the search.
Shank
A person's leg, especially the part from the knee to the ankle
The old man's thin, bony shanks showed through his trousers
Shiv
Homemade blade.
In prison, a shiv can be a deadly weapon.
Shank
A long, narrow part of a tool connecting the handle to the operational end
Gouges vary in the amount of curve or sweep on the cutting edge and the form of the shank
Shiv
A quick-cutting knife.
The inmate hid the shiv under his mattress.
Shank
A part or appendage by which something is attached to something else, especially a wire loop attached to the back of a button.
Shiv
A knife or razor used as a weapon.
Shank
The narrow middle of the sole of a shoe
A rigid leather boot with a full shank
Shiv
A knife, razor, or other sharp or pointed implement, especially one used as a weapon.
Shank
A makeshift knife fashioned from a sharp item such as broken glass or a razor
He used a shank to threaten a guard and steal his uniform
Shiv
To stab with a shiv.
Shank
An act of striking the ball with the heel of the club
He hit a shank with his tee shot and took double bogey
Shiv
A knife, especially a makeshift one fashioned from something not normally used as a weapon (like a plastic spoon or a toothbrush).
Shank
Strike (the ball) with the heel of the club
I shanked a shot and hit a person on a shoulder
Shiv
A particular woody by-product of processing flax or hemp.
Shank
Slash or stab (someone), especially with a makeshift knife
I got shanked with a broken bottle
My friend pulled a knife and shanked him
Shiv
To stab someone with a shiv.
Shank
The part of the human leg between the knee and ankle.
Shiv
(by extension) To stab someone with anything not normally used as a stabbing weapon.
Shank
A corresponding part in other vertebrates.
Shiv
A knife used as a weapon
Shank
The whole leg of a human.
Shank
A leg or leglike part.
Shank
A cut of meat from the leg of a steer, calf, sheep, or lamb.
Shank
The long narrow part of a nail or pin.
Shank
A stem, stalk, or similar part.
Shank
(Nautical) The stem of an anchor.
Shank
The long shaft of a fishhook.
Shank
The part of a tobacco pipe between the bowl and stem.
Shank
The shaft of a key.
Shank
The narrow section of the handle of a spoon.
Shank
(Printing) The section of a body of type between the shoulder and the foot.
Shank
The narrow part of the sole of a shoe under the instep.
Shank
A piece of material, such as metal, that is used to reinforce or shape this part of a shoe.
Shank
A projection, such as a ring, on the back of a button by which it is sewn to cloth.
Shank
See tang1.
Shank
The part of a tool, such as a drill, that connects the functioning head to the handle.
Shank
The latter or remaining part, especially of a period of time.
Shank
The early or primary part of a period of time
The shank of the evening.
Shank
(Slang) A knife or other sharp, pointed implement, especially one that has been fashioned from something else; a shiv.
Shank
To hit (a golf ball) with the heel of the club, causing the ball to veer in the wrong direction.
Shank
(Slang) To stab (a person) with a sharp, pointed implement.
Shank
The part of the leg between the knee and the ankle.
Shank
Meat from that part of an animal.
Shank
A redshank or greenshank, various species of Old World wading birds in the genus Tringa having distinctly colored legs.
Shank
A straight, narrow part of an object, such as a key or an anchor; shaft; stem.
Shank
The handle of a pair of shears, connecting the ride to the neck.
Shank
The center part of a fishhook between the eye and the hook, the 'hook' being the curved part that bends toward the point.
Shank
A protruding part of an object, by which it is or can be attached.
Shank
The metal part on a curb bit that falls below the mouthpiece, which length controls the severity of the leverage action of the bit, and to which the reins of the bridle are attached.
Shank
(golf) A poorly played golf shot in which the ball is struck by the part of the club head that connects to the shaft.
Shank
(slang) An improvised stabbing weapon.
Shank
A loop forming an eye to a button.
Shank
(architecture) The space between two channels of the Doric triglyph.
Shank
(metalworking) A large ladle for molten metal, fitted with long bars for handling it.
Shank
The body of a type; between the shoulder and the foot.
Shank
(shoemaking) The part of the sole beneath the instep connecting the broader front part with the heel.
Shank
Flat-nosed pliers, used by opticians for nipping off the edges of pieces of glass to make them round.
Shank
The end or remainder, particularly of a period of time.
Shank
The main part or beginning of a period of time.
The shank of the morning
Shank
To travel on foot.
Shank
(slang) To stab, especially with an improvised blade.
Shank
(slang) To remove another's trousers, especially in jest; to depants.
Shank
To misstrike the ball with the part of the club head that connects to the shaft.
Shank
To hit or kick the ball in an unintended direction.
Shank
(intransitive) To fall off, as a leaf, flower, or capsule, on account of disease affecting the supporting footstalk; usually followed by off.
Shank
To provide (a button) with a shank loop forming an eye.
Shank
(shoemaking) To apply the shank to a shoe, during the process of manufacturing it.
Shank
(slang) Bad.
Shank
See Chank.
Shank
The part of the leg from the knee to the foot; the shin; the shin bone; also, the whole leg.
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wideFor his shrunk shank.
Shank
Hence, that part of an instrument, tool, or other thing, which connects the acting part with a handle or other part, by which it is held or moved.
Shank
The space between two channels of the Doric triglyph.
Shank
A large ladle for molten metal, fitted with long bars for handling it.
Shank
The body of a type.
Shank
The part of the sole beneath the instep connecting the broader front part with the heel.
Shank
A wading bird with long legs; as, the green-legged shank, or knot; the yellow shank, or tattler; - called also shanks.
Shank
Flat-nosed pliers, used by opticians for nipping off the edges of pieces of glass to make them round.
Shank
To fall off, as a leaf, flower, or capsule, on account of disease affecting the supporting footstalk; - usually followed by off.
Shank
A cut of meat (beef or veal or mutton or lamb) from the upper part of the leg
Shank
The part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle
Shank
Cylinder forming a long narrow part of something
Shank
Cylinder forming the part of a bolt between the thread and the head
Shank
Cylinder forming the part of a bit by which it is held in the drill
Shank
The narrow part of the shoe connecting the heel and the wide part of the sole
Shank
Lower part of the leg extending from the hock to the fetlock in hoofed mammals
Shank
A poor golf stroke in which the heel of the club hits the ball
Shank
Hit (a golf ball) with the heel of a club, causing the ball to veer in the wrong direction
Shank
Part of a tool connecting the handle to the operational end.
The drill bit broke off from the shank.
Shank
Narrow part of an object.
She held the key by its shank.
Shank
Lower part of a human leg.
He had a tattoo on his shank.
Common Curiosities
Is a shiv always a weapon?
In common usage, a shiv is typically understood as a weapon.
What is a shiv?
A shiv is an improvised stabbing weapon made from available materials.
What is a shank?
A shank can be an improvised weapon or the part of an object connecting its handle to its operational end.
Can a shank refer to meat?
Yes, shank can refer to a cut of meat from an animal's leg.
Are shivs illegal?
In most jurisdictions, carrying a shiv without a valid reason is illegal.
Can a shank be part of a tool?
Yes, the shank can be part of a tool, such as a drill bit or screw.
Can you be arrested for carrying a shiv?
Yes, carrying a shiv without a valid reason is usually illegal.
Can a shank be made from metal?
Yes, a shank can be made from various materials, including metal.
Do the terms have different cultural connotations?
Yes, shiv is more often associated with criminal or prison culture, while shank has broader applications.
How are shivs made?
Shivs are often made from broken glass, metal, or sharpened plastic.
Is shank used in woodworking?
Yes, in woodworking, the shank refers to the part of a drill bit that fits into the drill's chuck.
What is the origin of the word shank?
The word shank comes from Old English "sceanca."
Are shivs and shanks synonymous?
While similar, they are not synonymous; shiv is more specialized, whereas shank has multiple meanings.
Is a shiv professionally made?
No, a shiv is usually an improvised, makeshift weapon.
Is shank associated with criminal activity?
Not inherently, although it can be used as a weapon in criminal contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
