Shenanigans: meaning, definitions and examples
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shenanigans
[ ʃəˈnæn.ɪ.ɡənz ]
funny behavior
Silly or high-spirited behavior; mischief or playful trickery. Shenanigans are often light-hearted and entertaining, intended to bring joy or laughter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
shenanigans |
Used to describe playful, mischievous, or deceitful behavior. It often implies a sense of fun but can carry a negative connotation if the actions cause trouble.
|
pranks |
Refers to tricks or practical jokes played on someone, often meant to be humorous but sometimes causing discomfort or inconvenience. Pranks can be harmless or mean-spirited depending on the execution.
|
mischief |
Indicates behavior that is intended to cause minor harm or trouble, often in a playful or humorous way. It can also have a slightly negative undertone if the actions are more disruptive.
|
antics |
Refers to amusing, outlandish, and often foolish behavior or actions. It usually has a light-hearted and humorous connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He's always up to some sort of shenanigans.
- The group of friends were known for their hilarious shenanigans.
- Don't believe everything he says, he's probably just pulling shenanigans.
Translations
Translations of the word "shenanigans" in other languages:
🇵🇹 travessuras
- brincadeiras
- artimanhas
🇮🇳 शरारतें
- चालाकियाँ
- हंगामा
🇩🇪 Mätzchen
- Unfug
- Streiche
🇮🇩 keusilan
- kelicikan
- keributan
🇺🇦 витівки
- пустощі
- хитрощі
🇵🇱 psoty
- figle
- sztuczki
🇯🇵 いたずら
- ふざけ
- 悪ふざけ
🇫🇷 espiègleries
- farces
- machinations
🇪🇸 travesuras
- bromas
- artimañas
🇹🇷 yaramazlık
- şakalar
- hileler
🇰🇷 장난
- 농담
- 속임수
🇸🇦 مزاح
- شقاوة
- حيل
🇨🇿 vylomeniny
- lumpárny
- triky
🇸🇰 neplechy
- šibalstvá
- triky
🇨🇳 恶作剧
- 玩笑
- 诡计
🇸🇮 potegavščine
- norčije
- zvijače
🇮🇸 uppátæki
- stríðni
- brellur
🇰🇿 тентекшілік
- әзілдер
- айлакерлік
🇬🇪 ხუმრობა
- ოინები
- ეშმაკობა
🇦🇿 zarafatlar
- oyunbazlıq
- hiylələr
🇲🇽 travesuras
- bromas
- artimañas
Etymology
The term 'shenanigans' originated in the United States in the 1850s, likely derived from the Irish word 'sionnachuighim' meaning 'I play tricks'. Over time, the word evolved to describe playful or mischievous behavior, often associated with harmless fun and entertainment.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,461 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 32458 redraw
- 32459 inconspicuously
- 32460 beeline
- 32461 shenanigans
- 32462 prostrating
- 32463 scherzo
- 32464 upholder
- ...