“Jank” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Communicating with one another on the internet using internet slang is a popular way for people to stay in touch with each other. One form of internet slang many people use is the word “jank.” This is the one-stop shop for everything you need to know about this term.

Here you will find the meaning of the term, usage, and discover if the word has any other meanings. You will also gain some information about its origin and examine the term “jank” used properly in some example conversations. Lastly, you will see other ways you could express the same meaning with other words instead.

Jank Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • In slang, jank refers to something that is low-quality, glitchy, awkward, or poorly made. It’s often used to describe things that don’t work as they should or feel off in some way. It’s common in gaming, tech, and everyday conversation when referring to anything unreliable or clunky.
What Does Jank Mean?
What Does Jank Mean? – Created by 7ESL

What Does Jank Mean?

“Jank” is slang used to describe something of poor quality, unreliable, or awkwardly constructed. It’s often used to refer to things that are makeshift, poorly designed, or prone to malfunction. The term is commonly used in gaming, technology, and DIY communities to describe things that don’t work smoothly or look subpar.

Origin of this Term

Although no specific information is offered, most people seem to believe this slang term originated from predominantly urban African-American communities in the south and was first used sometime in the 1990s. The slang term then became widely shared online during conversations and spread to other geographical locations.

Usage of Jank

Here are examples of how “jank” is used in various contexts:

Describing Cheap or Low-Quality Items

  • Used to describe something that feels cheap or unreliable.
  • “This phone charger is so jank; it barely works and feels like it could snap.”

Referring to Glitchy Software or Hardware

  • Used to describe software that doesn’t work smoothly.
  • “The app is really jank on my phone—it keeps freezing and crashing.”

Talking About DIY or Makeshift Solutions

  • Refers to a makeshift, low-quality solution.
  • “We set up a jank shelf in the garage using leftover wood and nails.”

Gaming Community (Referring to Graphics or Mechanics)

  • Used to describe clunky or awkward game mechanics.
  • “The game looks cool, but the controls feel kind of jank.”

Describing Awkward Animations or Effects

  • Refers to unpolished or poorly designed animations.
  • “The animation in that scene was so jank; the characters didn’t move naturally.”

Referring to Old or Unstable Equipment

  • Used to describe equipment that’s functional but poorly set up or low-quality.
  • “My computer setup is a bit jank, but it gets the job done.”

Talking About a Repair Job

  • Used to criticize a poor-quality or temporary repair.
  • “The mechanic did a jank job on my car; it still makes weird noises.”

Other Meanings of Jank

The slang term is not only popular in the U.S., but in the U.K. also. In the U.K. the term has a slightly different meaning. “Jank” in this country means disgusting or gross.

Related Terms to Jank

  • Crappy – Used to describe something of poor quality or that doesn’t work well.
  • Janky – A variation of “jank,” often used to describe something that functions poorly or is clunky and awkward.
  • Sketchy – Refers to something that seems unsafe, unreliable, or poorly put together.
  • Clunky – Used to describe something awkward, heavy, or difficult to use or handle.
  • Rigged – Refers to something that has been put together quickly with whatever materials are available, often in an improvised or makeshift way.
  • Makeshift – Describes a temporary or improvised solution that is often low-quality.
  • Glitchy – Used to describe software, games, or technology that malfunctions or has many bugs.
  • Sloppy – Refers to something done carelessly, without attention to detail or quality.
  • Rustic – Used to describe something that’s simple, unpolished, or roughly made, often with a somewhat positive connotation.
  • Wonky – Describes something that doesn’t work right or feels off, unbalanced, or awkward.

Alternatives to “Jank”

There are several other ways you can say the slang term “jank” to express the same meaning. Some of these include:

  • junk
  • pointless
  • useless

Examples of Jank

A text exchange between two friends:

  • Friend 1: My phone is so jank! I need a new one.
  • Friend 2: Did you ask your parents for a new one?
  • Friend 1: Yeah, but my dad said it’s not time for an upgrade yet and buying another one right now isn’t feasible. *rolls eyes*

An online exchange between two gamers:

  • Player 1: This game is so jank!
  • Player 2: Then why are we playing it, dude?
  • Player 1: I don’t know. I just wanted to try something different.
  • Player 2: Well, we can say we tried it. Can we go back to the other game now, please?
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