The Rice University Neologisms Database

Apparent Meaning: a type of dance derived from the Charleston (characterized by rhythmic, high lifting of the knees and semi-windmill-like movements of the arms) that is performed by crowds at a ska music concert Type of Formation: derivation Possible Reason Used: This term likely arose from the perceived necessity to name the unique dancing of the ska music scene. Note however, that the term truly describes a motion, that is, one does not dance the skank, skanking is a stand alone word. Further, there is no association between this word and the word skank, used to describe a woman of less than sterling character. Skanking as a term has escaped exclusivity to the ska music community, so that those involved in other musical genres have an understanding of its characteristic movements. By contrast, the act of skanking remains confined to the ska music scene.