Definition of crank

The word "crank" has a fascinating history! The term is believed to have originated in the 15th century from the Old English word "cranckian," which means "to twist" or "to turn." In the 17th century, a "crank" referred to a type of mechanism or gear that used a twisted or turned motion to operate a machine or device. Over time, the term evolved to describe people who were often seen as eccentric, obsessive, or fanatical about particular topics or hobbies. This sense of "crank" emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in American English. The term is now commonly used to describe someone who is perceived as being overly enthusiastic, demanding, or argumentative about a particular issue or cause. Interestingly, the word "crank" has also been used in mechanical contexts to describe a type of mechanism that uses a twisted or turned motion to generate power or energy. Despite its different meanings, the word "crank" has become a staple in both mechanical and colloquial language.