I asked this question a little while ago because I've heard the term but it's not always clear what it is referring to. I think that similarly to 'woke' it is used in the context of ideological or political battles, so the definition is variable depending on the context. Opponents will likely have the widest definition since that way they can insult the largest group of people whose beliefs they disagree with, eg. "If you support Ukraine you're a tankie".

Words like 'progressive', 'socialist', 'authoritarian' are more appropriately descriptive if that's what you're going for. If you want to have an argument then 'woke', 'tankie', 'SJW', 'karen/keith', 'snowflake', 'bootlicker', 'edgelord', 'redditor' are good choices.

[–] Rambi@lemm.ee 4 points 1 year ago

The term originated in a British socialist political party, I can't remember which, as a term for other socialists that supported the Soviet Unions invasion of I think Hungary. The tank parts originates from the fact tanks were used. Like you say though, the term has become very watered down now and people kind of just throw it around without much discernment.