I left a comment on another blog recently, and I believe it was misunderstood. Why?
Because I used the word "skank" as a verb, rather than one of its more common forms which, unfortunately, are usually very disparaging towards women.
We are all familiar with the use of the word as a noun, as in: "Marsha stole my boyfriend. She's such a skank!"
Or as an adjective: "Whoa, look at that skanky chick. That's your girlfriend? Oops, sorry dude."
But did you know that skanking is also good wholesome fun?
I'll let Tony Verity explain. Let's take a look see, shall we?
(My money's on Couple #4)
It started with the birth of ska music in Jamaican dance halls in the 50's and 60's, and has continued on through the second and third waves of ska. YouTube is loaded with videos of people skanking, and everybody seems to have their own personal style.
So don't be no rude boy (or girl)! Reclaim the word, and skank a little today and every day!
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Comments
I'll stick with my good old pogo slam dancing! hehehe
I loved that they show the two guys dancing together. Pretty progressive for whenever this was made....sixties?
Do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya wanna dance?
{[R]}
Stickin' with my own head boppin', finger poppin', shades on, lights low moves. Sort of a Motown at the rest home groove.
Enjoy.........
particularly the deadpan commentary
I never knew no ska went back so far!
Con, thank you. I do what I can.
Suzanne, I'm grinning picturing you dancing like and "passing the joint". I think this is early 60's. Not sure if it was progressive or they just couldn't find another girl (although I find that hard to believe).
Jimmy, yeah my knees aren't what they used to be either. Skanking today (especially to ska-punk) has a lot more leg movement in it, though, I'm afraid, and it's much faster. I don't think I could keep up. I like the word too (along with skink and skunk), and I think it should be liberated.
sg2292, thanks for skanking with me today!
And Beth too!
Tom, yes, sometimes I wonder how that happens.
Ann, what are you trying to say? :-)
Larry, I'm sure she does. It is rather, um, carnal, isn't it?
aka, it is pretty aerobic. It's sad, though. I used to love, love, love to dance. I mean, I was a woman possessed. Now, the old joints jus won't cooperate anymore.
Kat, good, I added a few more!
Owl, believe it or not, this was in Jamaica. Apparently, Tony Verity was a very popular DJ/announcer/personality during that time period.
Silkstone, then please videotape yourself and upload to YouTube! :-)
Connie, yes, ska goes back quite a ways. Most people are familiar with the second wave in the late 70's and early 80's, but it actually originated in the early 60's. Desmond Dekker and the Skatalites are a couple of the early artists. Even Bob Marley started out doing ska.
I don't know what it is, but I just love this music.