What does "kang" mean?

1. (kangaroo) a short, informal name for a kangaroo. 2. (to copy code) to take someone else's computer code or work and use it as your own without permission.

How do you use "kang"?

The verb is transitive and usually takes the software or feature as its object.

kang

n. · v.

US //ˈkæŋ// kang

1 kangaroo (n.)
C2 Proficiency Informal Dialect

a short, informal name for a kangaroo.

a clipping of 'kangaroo', used in informal or dialectal contexts.

Example

We saw a big kang jumping across the field near the farm.

Example

The local guide pointed out a group of kangs grazing in the distance, though they quickly vanished into the scrub as we approached.
- kangaroo
- roo
2 to copy code (v.)
C2 Proficiency Slang Technical Computing

to take someone else's computer code or work and use it as your own without permission.

to appropriate or 'steal' source code or software features from another developer, often without attribution.

Example

The developer was accused of kanging the interface design from a smaller app.

Example

In the custom ROM community, developers are often criticized for kanging features from other projects without providing the necessary upstream credits or documentation.

Usage

The verb is transitive and usually takes the software or feature as its object.

Teacher's tip

This term is highly specific to Android development and software modding communities; it is not used in general business or academic contexts.
- attribute
- credit

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026