"wank" means: To argue in an inappropriate manner or about pretentious or insubstantial matters; to engage in wank.. This is strong language and parents may reasonably want to discuss when, where and around whom it is used. It is not usually a sign of trouble on its own; many teens use such words to fit in with peers. A calm conversation about register, audience and consequences (school, work, family) tends to be more useful than a ban. Pay attention to the target of the language more than the word itself.