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Shrugged: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrugged

 

[ ʃrʌɡd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

body language

Shrugged is the past tense of the verb 'shrug', which means to raise one's shoulders as a form of showing indifference, lack of knowledge, or uncertainty. It is an action often used in non-verbal communication to indicate that someone does not know the answer to a question or does not care about something. The shrug can convey a range of emotions, from casual indifference to a more profound sense of resignation. It is a simple action that can effectively communicate feelings without words.

Synonyms

dismissed, gestured, ignored

Examples of usage

  • She shrugged her shoulders when asked about the event.
  • He just shrugged, not knowing the answer.
  • They shrugged, indicating they didn’t care.
  • I shrugged at the suggestion; it didn’t interest me.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrugged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encolheu os ombros

🇮🇳 कंधे उचका दिया

🇩🇪 zuckte die Schultern

🇮🇩 mengangkat bahu

🇺🇦 підняв плечима

🇵🇱 wzruszył ramionami

🇯🇵 肩をすくめた

🇫🇷 hausser les épaules

🇪🇸 encogió los hombros

🇹🇷 omuz silkti

🇰🇷 어깨를 으쓱했다

🇸🇦 هز كتفيه

🇨🇿 pokrčil rameny

🇸🇰 pokrčil plecami

🇨🇳 耸了耸肩

🇸🇮 shrugged

🇮🇸 hrukkaði öxlum

🇰🇿 иықтарын көтерді

🇬🇪 მხრები აიქაჩა

🇦🇿 çiyinlərini çəkdi

🇲🇽 se encogió de hombros

Etymology

The word 'shrug' has its roots in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'shrugen' or 'shruggen'. It likely relates to the Old English 'screogan', meaning to 'squeeze' or 'contract'. Over time, it evolved to its current form, capturing the motion of raising the shoulders in a gesture of uncertainty or indifference. This non-verbal action has been a part of human communication for centuries, reflecting a blend of physicality and emotional expression. The use of 'shrug' in conversations and literary works gives it a unique place in the English language, symbolizing a universal response to ambiguity or lack of concern. Its simplicity allows it to transcend languages and cultures, making it a widely recognized gesture worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,804 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.