Shiv (weapon)
Encyclopedia
A shiv is a slang
term for any sharp or pointed implement used as a knife
-like weapon
. However, the word in practical usage is frequently used when referring to an improvised bladed weapon. Shivs are commonly made by inmates in prison
s across the world. A shiv can be anything from a glass shard with fabric wrapped around one end to form a handle, to a razorblade stuck in the end of a toothbrush.
Synonyms include shank and chib (from Scottish slang, as exemplified in the novel Trainspotting
, "chib" was originally a name for a blunt weapon such as a baseball bat or tree branch). These terms, along with "shiv", can be used either as a noun or a transitive verb
, referring to the weapon or the act of attacking with such a weapon respectively.
Slang
Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's language or dialect but are considered more acceptable when used socially. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo...
term for any sharp or pointed implement used as a knife
Knife
A knife is a cutting tool with an exposed cutting edge or blade, hand-held or otherwise, with or without a handle. Knives were used at least two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools...
-like weapon
Weapon
A weapon, arm, or armament is a tool or instrument used with the aim of causing damage or harm to living beings or artificial structures or systems...
. However, the word in practical usage is frequently used when referring to an improvised bladed weapon. Shivs are commonly made by inmates in prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
s across the world. A shiv can be anything from a glass shard with fabric wrapped around one end to form a handle, to a razorblade stuck in the end of a toothbrush.
Synonyms include shank and chib (from Scottish slang, as exemplified in the novel Trainspotting
Trainspotting (novel)
Trainspotting is the first novel by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. It is written in the form of short chapters narrated in the first person by various residents of Leith, Edinburgh, who either use heroin, are friends of the core group of heroin users, or engage in destructive activities that are...
, "chib" was originally a name for a blunt weapon such as a baseball bat or tree branch). These terms, along with "shiv", can be used either as a noun or a transitive verb
Transitive verb
In syntax, a transitive verb is a verb that requires both a direct subject and one or more objects. The term is used to contrast intransitive verbs, which do not have objects.-Examples:Some examples of sentences with transitive verbs:...
, referring to the weapon or the act of attacking with such a weapon respectively.
External links
- A Knol - In English Rhyme
- Dangerous Beauty: The Art of the Shiv Photos of 11 shivs