Lanky ≠ Lank (these days): Or, Don’t Be a Word-killer! (wurderer?)

[teaoli]

I’ve seen it all over fanfic, and I saw it one re-print of a book from 1996 (and it annoyed me enough that I hunted down an original copy; the word there was “lank”). Moments ago, I saw it in an article on MSM’s Wonderwall. But, damn it, folks, I really don’t think lanky and lank are interchangeable (yet/anymore*), so I don't want to read about

Comments

[christev]

Aaaargh!!! Totally with you in frustrated solidarity!

[kerravonsen]

I second the Arrrgh!

[spockchick]

funnily (pardon clunky adverb) here in scotland we call hanging greasy hair 'rank' which also means dirty and smelly. lanky is a tall gangly person here, I assume same in USA? lank which to me means inert and lifeless is no way anything to do with a gorgeous tall lanky man.