yank n. + Add to list US //ˈjæŋk// UK //jˈæŋk// yank Informal Slang Vulgar SynonymsEtymology Synonyms jerknortherneryankeeyankee doodleOrigin Clipping of Yankee. Idioms2 entries01Septic[Cockney slang]Yankvia septic tank02yank someone's chainTo tease someone; to lead someone on; to goad someone into overreacting.