yank

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to pull, or move with a sudden movement

   I yanked the table cloth off the table, leaving the plates and silverware in place.

2. 2
   noun

   a quick, sudden pulling movement

   The yank on the rope caught me off guard.

3. 3
   noun

   short for yankee i.e. an American, often pejorative

   This cafe is full of drunken yanks.

Attested since 1822; from Scots yank. Unknown origin.

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