What is the Difference Between Shiv and Shank?

The terms "shiv" and "shank" are often used interchangeably to refer to homemade weapons, typically crafted and used in prison settings. However, there are some subtle differences between the two:

• Shiv: A shiv is a slang term for a knife or a sharp weapon-like object. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to stab someone with a sharp object. The term "shiv" comes from the gypsies of Romania who used them for a knife-like object.
• Shank: A shank is a term for anything that looks or works like a knife, including homemade weapons that may not be metallic. It is often used to refer to an elongated item that tapers to a point.

While both terms can be used to describe objects that look or work like knives, the main difference between the two is that "shiv" is often associated with prison-made weapons and has a verb form, while "shank" is a more general term for a homemade knife or stabbing weapon. The distinction between the two terms may also be regional, with different areas using one term more frequently than the other.

Comparative Table: Shiv vs Shank

The terms "shiv" and "shank" are slang terms for objects that look or work like knives, often used in prison settings. They have some differences in their meanings and usage:

In summary, a shiv is a homemade weapon with a blade used for cutting, while a shank is a homemade weapon with a pointed tip used for stabbing. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are regional differences in their usage.