How Do You Spell SCRIMSHANK?

Pronunciation: [skɹˈɪmʃaŋk] (IPA)

The word "scrimshank" is spelled with a "c" not a "k" despite the similar sound in pronunciation. It is pronounced as /ˈskrɪmʃæŋk/ with stress on the first syllable. The word is often used in British English slang to refer to someone shirking their work or avoiding their responsibilities. Despite its appearance, the word has nothing to do with "shanking" or stabbing someone with a makeshift weapon. Instead, its origins are believed to be from the military term "scrimmage" or "skirmish" which means to avoid or dodge.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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SCRIMSHANK Meaning and Definition

  1. Scrimshank is a verb that originated in British military jargon, particularly in the context of the Royal Navy, and it is used to describe the act of avoiding one's duties or engaging in laziness or idleness. This term is commonly utilized to refer to an individual who shirks responsibilities or tries to evade work through various means.

    In the military setting, scrimshanking often involves intentionally avoiding an assigned task, skulking, or idling away time. It may include slacking off, feigning illness, or finding excuses to be absent or occupied with tasks not related to the assigned duty. Scrimshanking is generally viewed as a sign of indiscipline and an undermining of unit morale and cohesiveness.

    Beyond its military application, scrimshank can also be used to describe any action or behavior that demonstrates an individual's attempts to evade work or responsibilities, particularly in a deceitful or cunning manner. The term carries negative connotations, suggesting laziness, dishonesty, or a lack of commitment.

    The term scrimshank, with its origins rooted in military slang, has gradually entered the broader English vocabulary. Although not widely known, it remains a vivid descriptor for those engaging in work avoidance tactics or simply trying to escape their obligations.

Common Misspellings for SCRIMSHANK

  • acrimshank
  • zcrimshank
  • xcrimshank
  • dcrimshank
  • ecrimshank
  • wcrimshank
  • sxrimshank
  • svrimshank
  • sfrimshank
  • sdrimshank
  • sceimshank
  • scdimshank
  • scfimshank
  • sctimshank
  • sc5imshank
  • sc4imshank
  • scrumshank
  • scrjmshank
  • scrkmshank

Etymology of SCRIMSHANK

The word "scrimshank" has its origins in British military slang. Its etymology is believed to be a combination of two unrelated terms: "scrim" and "shank".

The term "scrim" was used in the early 19th century to refer to the thin, translucent fabric used for making window curtains or for straining liquids. This fabric was often used by soldiers to create makeshift hammocks or hammock-like structures to rest or hide in during duty. It is speculated that "scrim" evolved into a verb form, meaning to evade duty or avoid work, possibly originating from the idea of hiding or resting behind a scrim.

On the other hand, "shank" refers to the upper part of the leg bone below the knee joint. In military slang, it was used to describe a soldier who pretended to be ill or injured in order to avoid work or duty.

Similar spelling words for SCRIMSHANK

Conjugate verb Scrimshank

CONDITIONAL

I would scrimshank
you would scrimshank
he/she/it would scrimshank
we would scrimshank
they would scrimshank

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be scrimshanking
you would be scrimshanking
he/she/it would be scrimshanking
we would be scrimshanking
they would be scrimshanking

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have scrimshank
you would have scrimshank
he/she/it would have scrimshank
we would have scrimshank
they would have scrimshank

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been scrimshanking
you would have been scrimshanking
he/she/it would have been scrimshanking
we would have been scrimshanking
they would have been scrimshanking

FUTURE

I will scrimshank
you will scrimshank
he/she/it will scrimshank
we will scrimshank
they will scrimshank

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be scrimshanking
you will be scrimshanking
he/she/it will be scrimshanking
we will be scrimshanking
they will be scrimshanking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have scrimshanked
you will have scrimshanked
he/she/it will have scrimshanked
we will have scrimshanked
they will have scrimshanked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been scrimshanking
you will have been scrimshanking
he/she/it will have been scrimshanking
we will have been scrimshanking
they will have been scrimshanking

IMPERATIVE

you scrimshank
we let´s scrimshank

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to scrimshank

PAST

I scrimshanked
you scrimshanked
he/she/it scrimshanked
we scrimshanked
they scrimshanked

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was scrimshanking
you were scrimshanking
he/she/it was scrimshanking
we were scrimshanking
they were scrimshanking

PAST PARTICIPLE

scrimshanked

PAST PERFECT

I had scrimshanked
you had scrimshanked
he/she/it had scrimshanked
we had scrimshanked
they had scrimshanked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been scrimshanking
you had been scrimshanking
he/she/it had been scrimshanking
we had been scrimshanking
they had been scrimshanking

PRESENT

I scrimshank
you scrimshank
he/she/it scrimshanks
we scrimshank
they scrimshank

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am scrimshanking
you are scrimshanking
he/she/it is scrimshanking
we are scrimshanking
they are scrimshanking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

scrimshanking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have scrimshanked
you have scrimshanked
he/she/it has scrimshanked
we have scrimshanked
they have scrimshanked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been scrimshanking
you have been scrimshanking
he/she/it has been scrimshanking
we have been scrimshanking
they have been scrimshanking

Infographic

Correct spelling for scrimshank
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