SHIV

What Does SHIV Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

The word SHIV means a "knife or blade" (often an improvised one).

More Detail...

Opinion is divided over the origin of the word. One theory is that SHIV is a derivation of the 17th-Century Romany word "chiv" which meant blade. Another competing theory suggests that SHIV is a modern acronym meaning "Self-Honed Implement of Violence." In this context, a SHIV is usually a homemade stabbing device made from household objects such as toothbrushes or spoons. This improvised style of weapon is commonplace in the prison system.

Image for SHIV

When I write SHIV, I mean this:

The image shows an improvised weapon known as a SHIV.

Summary of Key Points

"Improvised knife" is, by far, the most common meaning for SHIV when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

SHIV
Definition:	Improvised knife
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of SHIV in Sentences

Here are examples of SHIV in a sentence:

"In prison everyone carries a SHIV for self-protection. If you are not tooled up you become a victim."

An Academic Look at SHIV

SHIV is a noun. If it derives from "Self-Honed Implement of Violence," then it is also an acronym (i.e., an abbreviation spoken like a word). Acronyms differ from initialism abbreviations, which are pronounced using their individual letters.