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Shrugging: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrugging

 

[ ʃrʌɡɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

body language

Shrugging is the act of raising one's shoulders to indicate a lack of knowledge, interest, or uncertainty about something. It is often accompanied by a facial expression that conveys indifference or confusion.

Synonyms

gesture of indifference, shoulder raise, show uncertainty

Examples of usage

  • She shrugged when asked about the missing documents.
  • He shrugged his shoulders, showing he didn't care.
  • The child shrugged at the complex question from the teacher.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrugging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encolher os ombros

🇮🇳 कंधे उचका रहे हैं

🇩🇪 schultern zucken

🇮🇩 mengangkat bahu

🇺🇦 піднімати плечима

🇵🇱 wzruszać ramionami

🇯🇵 肩をすくめる (kata o sukumeru)

🇫🇷 hausser les épaules

🇪🇸 encoger los hombros

🇹🇷 omuz silkmek

🇰🇷 어깨를 으쓱하다

🇸🇦 يهز الكتفين

🇨🇿 pokrčit rameny

🇸🇰 pokrčiť plecami

🇨🇳 耸肩 (sǒng jiān)

🇸🇮 skloniti ramena

🇮🇸 halla öxlunum

🇰🇿 иық көтеру

🇬🇪 მხრების აწევა

🇦🇿 çiyinlərini qaldırmaq

🇲🇽 encoger los hombros

Word origin

The word 'shrug' comes from the Old English 'scrygan,' meaning 'to draw up the shoulders.' Its usage can be traced back to early medieval times when physical gestures were among the few ways to communicate feelings. The term evolved through Middle English, and by the 14th century, it had taken on its modern form. Shrugging as a gesture gained cultural significance, reflecting human emotions and attitudes in various contexts, ranging from casual conversation to more formal interactions. Over time, 'shrug' has not only remained a verbal expression in the English language but has also embraced various non-verbal forms across different cultures, signifying the universality of this simple yet powerful gesture.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,191, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.