Pronunciation: [skˈaŋks] (IPA) 
Skanks is a slang term used to describe women who are promiscuous and/or trashy. The spelling of the word is in line with standard English phonetics, with the 's' sound pronounced as /s/ and the 'k' sound as /k/. The 'a' in the first syllable is pronounced as /æ/, referring to the short 'a' sound while the second syllable's 'a' is pronounced like /ɑː/. Skanks is considered an offensive term and should be used with caution.
The term "skank" originated in Jamaican Creole with a slightly different meaning. It was originally used to describe a low-class or promiscuous woman. The etymology of the word "skank" is believed to come from the verb "to skank" in Jamaican Patois, which means "to dance in a rhythmic, jerky manner". This verb was used in the context of reggae music to describe a unique style of dance associated with the genre. Over time, the term "skank" evolved in different communities to refer derogatorily to unkempt, disreputable, or promiscuous women.
