Shiv vs. Shank — What's the Difference?

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.