shank

The word "shank" has several common uses. At its root, it means the lower part of a leg, especially the part between the knee and the ankle in people or animals. That is also why you may see "lamb shank" on a menu. The word can also mean the long, narrow part of an object, such as a tool, a key, or a hook.

In modern informal English, it can also mean a homemade knife, and as a verb it can mean to stab someone with it. In golf, a "shank" is a badly hit shot that flies off in the wrong direction after the ball is struck near the hosel of the club. So the word can point to the body, food, tools, violence, or sport, depending on the context.

The word "shank" has developed a few clear meanings over time. In its older and more basic sense, it refers to the lower part of a leg, especially the part between the knee and the ankle in a person or the similar part of an animal's leg. This is also the source of the food meaning, as in "lamb shank," a cut of meat taken from that part of the animal.

The word is also used for the long, narrow part of an object. In this sense, the shank may be the straight part of a tool, a drill bit, a key, a hook, or another object with a stem-like section. This technical meaning is common in crafts, metalwork, and manufacturing.

Another well-known modern meaning is a homemade knife, especially one made in prison or in another place where normal weapons are not available. As a verb, "to shank" means to stab someone with such a blade. This use is informal and strongly linked with violence.

In golf, a "shank" is a badly mis-hit shot. It usually happens when the ball is struck by the hosel, the part of the clubhead that joins the shaft, instead of the clubface. The ball then shoots off at an unintended angle, often sharply to the right for a right-handed player.

So depending on the setting, "shank" may refer to part of a leg, a cut of meat, the stem of a tool or similar object, a homemade knife, or a badly hit golf shot.