Gank vs. Gang: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
Gank is a gaming term indicating an ambush on a player, while Gang refers to a group of individuals associated for a common purpose or activity.
Key Differences
Gank and Gang may sound similar, but they serve very different functions in the English language. Gank originates from the world of online gaming and refers to the act of ambushing or suddenly attacking another player, often when they least expect it. This word has a very specific niche usage, primarily within gaming communities. Gang, on the other hand, is a widely understood term referring to a group of people, often implying a shared purpose or sometimes a shared identity, which can sometimes have negative connotations related to criminal activity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
While Gank often has a tactical connotation, mainly in multiplayer online games, where team coordination can lead to a successful ambush of an opposing player, Gang can be neutral or have social, cultural, or criminal implications. A gang can be simply a group of friends, a team working on a project, or, in some cases, a group involved in illegal activities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
The origin of Gank is relatively recent, with its roots in the late 20th and early 21st century as online multiplayer games gained popularity. Gang, however, has older origins, with historical records tracing back to Old English and even Norse languages, where it meant "a journey" or "a way."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
To highlight the distinct usages: in a gaming scenario, players might "gank" an opponent to gain an advantage. In contrast, a "gang" might gather to discuss a common interest or, in more negative contexts, plan some unlawful activities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Using these terms interchangeably would lead to confusion. For example, saying you "ganged" someone in a game would sound odd to most gamers, just as saying a "gank of people" would sound incorrect in everyday conversation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An ambush or sudden attack in gaming
A group of individuals with a shared purpose or identity
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Connotation
Tactical, related to gameplay
Neutral, social, cultural, or criminal
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Contextual Examples
Ambushing an opposing player in a game
A group of friends, a team, or a criminal organization
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
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Gank and Gang Definitions
Gank
A sudden ambush in online games.
They planned to gank the enemy player near the river.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A group of criminals or hoodlums who band together for mutual protection and profit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gank
A tactic to overpower an opponent in multiplayer games.
A well-coordinated gank can turn the tide of the game.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A group of adolescents who band together, especially a group of delinquents.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gank
To eliminate a player using superior numbers or positioning.
They managed to gank the leader of the opposing team.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
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Gang
(Informal) A group of people who associate regularly on a social basis
The whole gang from the office went to a clambake.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gank
Gaming jargon for surprising and defeating a player.
He always knew the best spots to gank unsuspecting foes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A group of laborers organized together on one job or under one foreperson
A railroad gang.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gank
An unexpected attack on a player.
He was frustrated after a series of unfortunate ganks.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Gank
To kill much weaker players in an online video game in such a way that they cannot defend themselves. Common methods include attacking in much greater numbers or taking a well-equipped high-level character to assault players in a starting area.
Our group totally ganked this guy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
To arrange or assemble into a group, as for simultaneous operation or production
Gang several pages onto one printing plate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A number going in company; a number of friends or persons associated for a particular purpose.
The Gashouse Gang
The gang from our office is going out for drinks Friday night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of laborers under one foreman; a squad.
A gang of sailors; a railroad gang; a labor gang or pool.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A criminal group with a common cultural background and identifying features, often associated with a particular section of a city.
A youth gang; a neighborhood gang; motorcycle gang.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of criminals or alleged criminals who band together for mutual protection and profit.
The Winter Hill Gang was quite proficient at murdering rival mobsters in order to take over their rackets.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of politicians united in furtherance of a political goal.
The Gang of Four was led by Jiang Qing, the fourth wife of Mao Zedong.
Not all members of the Gang of Six are consistent in their opposition to filibuster.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A combination of similar tools or implements arranged so as, by acting together, to save time or labor; a set.
A gang of saws; a gang of plows; a gang drill; gang milling.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
(electrics) A number of switches or other electrical devices wired into one unit and covered by one faceplate.
An outlet gang box; a double gang switch.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
(electrics) A group of wires attached as a bundle.
A gang of wires
Do a drop for the telephone gang, then another drop for the Internet gang, both through the ceiling of the wiring closet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A number going in company; hence, a company, or a number of persons associated for a particular purpose; a group of laborers under one foreman; a squad; as, a gang of sailors; a chain gang; a gang of thieves.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A combination of similar implements arranged so as, by acting together, to save time or labor; a set; as, a gang of saws, or of plows.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of teenagers or young adults forming a more or less formalized group associating for social purposes, in some cases requiring initiation rites to join; as, a teen gang; a youth gang; a street gang.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of persons organized for criminal purposes; a criminal organization; as, the Parker gang.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
An association of criminals;
Police tried to break up the gang
A pack of thieves
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
Tool consisting of a combination of implements arranged to work together
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 26, 2023
Gang
A group of individuals with a shared purpose.
The whole gang gathered for the reunion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A criminal organization or group involved in illegal activities.
The police are investigating the activities of the local gang.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A team or crew working together.
The construction gang was hard at work on the new bridge.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A casual group of friends or acquaintances.
She went to the movies with her gang.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Gang
A collective often used in specific contexts like "chain gang" or "press gang."
He was captured and forced into a press gang.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Which term is older, Gank or Gang?
Gang is the older term with origins in Old English and Norse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is Gank commonly used outside of gaming?
No, Gank is primarily a term used within gaming communities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can Gang refer to a group of friends?
Yes, Gang can be a casual term for a group of friends.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Is a Gank always successful in gaming?
No, while the intention is to gain an advantage, ganks can fail.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
How did Gank come about as a term?
Gank emerged with the rise of online multiplayer gaming in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
What does Gank mean?
Gank refers to a sudden ambush or attack on a player in online games.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
How is Gang defined?
Gang typically refers to a group of individuals with a shared purpose or identity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are all gangs criminal in nature?
No, the term can refer to any group, but it sometimes implies criminal activity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can Gang have negative connotations?
Yes, especially when referring to groups involved in criminal activities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can Gank be used as a noun and a verb?
Yes, you can "gank" someone (verb) or refer to an action as a "gank" (noun).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
