Shrug Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shrug
[ʃrʌɡ ]
Definitions
body language
To raise and lower your shoulders to show that you do not know or care about something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shrug |
Use when someone lifts their shoulders slightly to show that they do not know something or do not care.
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| gesture |
Use when referring to any movement of the body, especially the hands and arms, to communicate or emphasize an idea or feeling.
|
| indicate |
Use when pointing out or showing something, often with a pointing finger or a nod of the head.
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Examples of usage
- She just shrugged when I asked her about the meeting.
- He shrugged his shoulders in response.
body language
A gesture involving the raising and lowering of one's shoulders, often used to indicate a lack of knowledge or indifference.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shrug |
Used when someone raises their shoulders to show they don't know something or they don't care.
|
| gesture |
An action, especially with the hands or head, to express an idea or feeling.
|
| indication |
A sign or piece of information that suggests something; often used in more formal or informative contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- She gave a shrug in response to the question.
- His shrug conveyed his uncertainty.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'shrug'
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.