Shrug: meaning, definitions and examples

🤷
Add to dictionary

shrug

 

[ ʃrʌɡ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

body language

To raise and lower your shoulders to show that you do not know or care about something.

Synonyms

gesture, indicate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shrug

Use when someone lifts their shoulders slightly to show that they do not know something or do not care.

  • She shrugged when asked if she knew about the meeting
  • He gave a shrug and walked away
gesture

Use when referring to any movement of the body, especially the hands and arms, to communicate or emphasize an idea or feeling.

  • He made a gesture to call the waiter
  • Her welcoming gesture made everyone feel comfortable
indicate

Use when pointing out or showing something, often with a pointing finger or a nod of the head.

  • She indicated the correct folder on the desk
  • He indicated the direction they needed to go

Examples of usage

  • She just shrugged when I asked her about the meeting.
  • He shrugged his shoulders in response.
Context #2 | Noun

body language

A gesture involving the raising and lowering of one's shoulders, often used to indicate a lack of knowledge or indifference.

Synonyms

gesture, indication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shrug

Used when someone raises their shoulders to show they don't know something or they don't care.

  • When asked about the missing document, she just gave a shrug.
  • He shrugged his shoulders and walked away.
gesture

An action, especially with the hands or head, to express an idea or feeling.

  • She made a gesture with her hand to signal that it was time to leave.
  • He greeted her with a warm gesture of a handshake.
indication

A sign or piece of information that suggests something; often used in more formal or informative contexts.

  • There was no clear indication of what caused the power outage.
  • Her smile was an indication of her approval.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a shrug in response to the question.
  • His shrug conveyed his uncertainty.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrug" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dar de ombros

🇮🇳 कंधे उचका देना

🇩🇪 mit den Schultern zucken

🇮🇩 mengangkat bahu

🇺🇦 знизувати плечима

🇵🇱 wzruszyć ramionami

🇯🇵 肩をすくめる (かたをすくめる)

🇫🇷 hausser les épaules

🇪🇸 encogerse de hombros

🇹🇷 omuz silkmek

🇰🇷 어깨를 으쓱하다

🇸🇦 هز الكتفين

🇨🇿 pokrcení ramen

🇸🇰 pokrčenie ramien

🇨🇳 耸肩 (sǒng jiān)

🇸🇮 skomigniti z rameni

🇮🇸 yppta öxlum

🇰🇿 иығын көтеру

🇬🇪 მხრების აჩქარება

🇦🇿 çiyinlərini çəkmək

🇲🇽 encogerse de hombros

Etymology

The word 'shrug' originated from the Old French word 'esrugier', meaning 'to shirk or avoid'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the specific shoulder-raising gesture that we now know as a shrug. The shrug has become a universal body language signal for uncertainty or indifference.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,936, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.