Shenanigan: meaning, definitions and examples
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shenanigan
[ สษหnรฆnษชษกษn ]
mischief play
A shenanigan refers to a playful or mischievous act, often involving some level of deceit or trickery. This term is commonly used to describe behavior that, while often lighthearted, can lead to trouble or chaos. Shenanigans can occur in various contexts, from pranks among friends to more elaborate schemes that may cause misunderstandings. The word typically implies a sense of fun, though it can also suggest a lack of seriousness or responsibility.
Synonyms
foolery, mischief, prank, trick.
Examples of usage
- The children were up to their usual shenanigans in the backyard.
- His shenanigans at the party made everyone laugh.
- Don't get involved in their shenanigans; it's just trouble.
- We pulled a few harmless shenanigans during our road trip.
Translations
Translations of the word "shenanigan" in other languages:
๐ต๐น trapaรงa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเฅเคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Schabernack
๐ฎ๐ฉ tipu muslihat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดัััะฟ
๐ต๐ฑ sztuczka
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใใ
๐ซ๐ท tricherie
๐ช๐ธ trampa
๐น๐ท hile
๐ฐ๐ท ์์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฎุฏุงุน
๐จ๐ฟ podvod
๐ธ๐ฐ podvod
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏก่ฎก
๐ธ๐ฎ prevara
๐ฎ๐ธ svik
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะฐัาััา
๐ฌ๐ช แงแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fฤฑrฤฑldaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ trampa
Etymology
The word 'shenanigan' is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, with its first known use dating back to around 1855. The exact origins of the term are uncertain, but it is thought to be derived from the Irish term 'sionnachuighim', meaning 'I act the magpie', which implies trickery or stealth. It may also have connections to the Spanish word 'chanan', referring to a type of deception or trickery in play. Over time, 'shenanigan' has evolved to commonly describe mischievous or playful behavior, especially in a lighthearted context, and is often associated with groups of people engaging in whimsical antics. The term gained popularity in American English and has since spread to other English-speaking cultures, often suggesting harmless fun or playful troublemaking.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,625, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.
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- 42622 hollowest
- 42623 conking
- 42624 shapelessly
- 42625 shenanigan
- 42626 aquanaut
- 42627 subjugator
- 42628 dubbin
- ...