Derived from "Shawshank" (i.e. "The
Shawshank Redemption"), shankshawing is the process of slowly chipping away at a person until the
ultimate goal is achieved.
Said "goal" is usually the love/affection of a person who is already in a
relationship. First you become their friend, their shoulder to lean on when times get tough with their partner, the person they share their secrets with - then when they suddenly become single, what do you know? You are now their #1 option. BAM - shankshaw'd.