Shenanigan, a noun usually used in plural, refers to tricky or questionable practices, or high-spirited, mischievous activity. Its precise origin is unknown, but it appeared in the mid-19th century.
Shenanigan is a noun, typically used in the plural, referring to 'tricky or questionable practices' or 'high-spirited or mischievous activity.' Its exact origin is uncertain, but early uses appeared in the mid-1800s.
| Word | shenanigan |
|---|---|
| Date | June 9, 2018 |
| Type | noun |
| Syllables | shuh-NAN-ih-gun |
| Etymology | The history of shenanigan is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have some theories about its origins, but no one has been able to prove them. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known uses of the word in print appeared in the mid-1800s. Although the "underhanded trick" sense of the word is oldest, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans"). |
| Examples | The CEO resigned amid accusations of financial shenanigans and dubious deals. "And the protesters outside were just the start of the shenanigans. Inside the building, one person attended the hearing dressed in a Russian troll costume." — Kevin Roose, The New York Times, 16 Apr. 2018 |
| Definition | 1 : a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose 2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct — usually used in plural b : high-spirited or mischievous activity — usually used in plural |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
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