Shakes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shakes

[ʃeɪks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

milkshake

A cold drink made of milk, a sweet flavoring such as chocolate or vanilla, and sometimes ice cream, blended until smooth.

Synonyms

frappe, milkshake, smoothie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shakes

Commonly used to refer to milkshakes or a variety of blended drinks. It can be used in casual settings such as diners or fast-food restaurants.

  • I ordered a chocolate shake with my burger.
  • They have the best shakes in town.
milkshake

Specifically refers to a cold, sweet drink made from milk, ice cream, and flavoring, popular in diners and fast-food restaurants. It has a more nostalgic, classic American diner feel.

  • A vanilla milkshake goes perfectly with fries.
  • We used to get milkshakes after school.
smoothie

Usually refers to a healthier blended drink made from fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or milk, commonly associated with health-conscious and fitness-oriented contexts.

  • I made a berry smoothie for breakfast.
  • Green smoothies have become very popular for detox diets.
frappe

More frequently used in reference to cold coffee drinks or sometimes milkshakes, especially with a European or coffee shop context.

  • I love getting a caramel frappe from that coffee shop.
  • Their mocha frappe is delicious on a hot day.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a chocolate shake with whipped cream.
  • She loves strawberry shakes in the summer.
Context #2 | Verb

shake hands

To grasp someone's hand and move it up and down as a way of greeting or saying goodbye.

Synonyms

embrace, greet, welcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shakes

Use this word when talking about the action of shaking hands, often as a formal or polite greeting.

  • He shakes hands with everyone he meets.
  • They agreed to the deal with a firm handshake.
greet

This word is used when referring to the act of saying hello or welcoming someone in general terms.

  • He greets his neighbors every morning with a smile.
  • The staff greeted the guests at the entrance.
welcome

Use this term when you want to express that someone is gladly received. It can be both an adjective and a verb.

  • The host welcomed his guests at the door.
  • You are always welcome to visit us anytime.
embrace

This word is used when describing a hug or a close, affectionate gesture. It can also mean to accept or adopt something wholeheartedly in a figurative sense.

  • They embraced warmly after years of being apart.
  • She decided to embrace the new opportunities life offered her.

Examples of usage

  • We shook hands before the meeting.
  • He shakes hands with everyone he meets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Shaking can be a natural response to cold, as muscles contract to generate heat.
  • In psychology, shakes can be a sign of stress or anxiety, known as psychomotor agitation, where the body expresses discomfort.
  • Seismology studies shakes in the context of earthquakes, where the ground shakes due to tectonic movements.

Culture

  • The dance move known as 'the shake' is popular in various music genres, showcasing rhythm through energetic body movements.
  • Shakes are also a popular beverage in the form of milkshakes or protein shakes, highlighting creativity in food culture.
  • In literature, shaking is often used symbolically, representing inner turmoil or a dramatic shift in a character's fate.

Psychology

  • The physical act of shaking can sometimes help release pent-up energy or fear, a phenomenon referred to as 'tremor' in therapeutic contexts.
  • Shaking hands can indicate nervousness during social interactions, affecting how people perceive confidence.
  • In stress management, controlled shaking or movement techniques are recommended to relieve built-up tension.

Health

  • Tremors, characterized by shaking movements, can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease.
  • Exercise can induce shakes, especially when muscles are pushed to fatigue, a normal part of building strength.
  • In some cultures, shaking is part of traditional dances, promoting physical fitness and community engagement.

Origin of 'shakes'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shake' comes from the Old English 'sceacan,' which means to move back and forth.
  • In different languages, the equivalent words share similar roots, showing a universal concept of movement.
  • The entry into modern usage varies, where 'shake' in older texts often referred to physical movements, while modern usage includes emotional vibrations or reactions.

The word 'shake' has a long history, dating back to Old English. Originally, it referred to the act of moving something rapidly to and fro or up and down. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings, including the shaking of hands as a greeting and the delicious cold beverage known as a milkshake. The word 'shake' continues to be used in a variety of contexts today, reflecting its rich linguistic heritage.


See also: shake, shakedown, shaker, shakily, shakiness, shaking, shakingly, shaky, unshakeable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,202, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.