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#17302 01/29/01 04:17 PM
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I always thought that "skank", as a dance, followed the word "ska", to describe the music which is being danced to. Ska is kind of a faster, more intense version of reggae (i.e. not as laid back) with lots of "horns" (trumpets, trombones, saxophones) and a strong offbeat. This music is the precursor of reggae, and still exists in various updated forms today.

Anyway, when I go to ska shows, I "skank", or I am "skanking". This is a specific sort of dance where you kind of look like you are running on the spot, and you exaggerate your arms and leg motions, all in time with the music. And if you want to go all out then you dress a certain way, too, and then you're a "rude boy" or a "rude girl".

(My husband was in a ska band so this is why I know this!)

Does anyone know if the name of the dance spawned the name of the music, or the other way around?


#17303 01/29/01 07:41 PM
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Bean, I remember an old Jamaican song called "Do the Ska" (in the song it was pronounced sk'YAH), can't remember the artist (Jackie Mitoo, maybe?). Anyway, I always assumed there was some link there. Interesting to note that skank is often pronounced sk'YAHNK in Jamaican patois.


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Younger female posters??!!! "Hunky" Well, I am not sure I am considered "young" anymore, but I do remember using that term which also goes well with "lanky"

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#17305 01/31/01 04:42 PM
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If "skanky" is a cranky skunk, then "manky" might be a male monkey???!!!! (man + monkey) And these are two wonderful words to describe the days when my sons are the combo of all four words--male, monkey, cranky, skunk!!
And then:
"Run it up the flagpole, and see if anybody salutes it." I can't quite manage a salute. wwh " How about saying "its a Longshot but-------"



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Are their any young posters who use the word "punky"????

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#17307 01/31/01 05:20 PM
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http://www.altocelebs.com/s/anna-nicole-smith/c-000106-mp-000001.jpg


#17308 01/31/01 05:45 PM
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Is that skanky, or lucky?


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Remember the "punky QB" from Chicago? (because of his hairstyle)


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All I can remember is a TERRIBLE TV show when I was little (mid-80's) about a kid named Punky Brewster, who wore too-cute overalls and bandannas around her legs. (I guess it looked punky to the producers!)


#17311 02/02/01 04:06 PM
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Back when I was a Punk (some great stories on the origin of that word, none too flattering) we used to view the words "punky" and "punker" with disdain. They were mosly used by "posers" (from French poseur?) who dipped into the style, but weren't really a part of the "scene".


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