shenanigan

she·nan·i·gan

noun \shə-ˈna-ni-gən\

Definition of SHENANIGAN

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

Examples of SHENANIGAN

1. <students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school>
2. <an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp>

Origin of SHENANIGAN

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1855

Related to SHENANIGAN

Synonyms: devilishness, devilment, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, espièglerie, hob, impishness, knavery, mischievousness, rascality, roguery, roguishness, shenanigan(s), waggery, waggishness, wickedness

Related Words: diabolicalness, misbehavior, misconduct, naughtiness, troublemaking; buffoonery, friskiness, playfulness, sportiveness; chicanery, trickery; goings-on, hanky-panky, high jinks (also hijinks), monkey business, monkeying, monkeyshine(s), skylarking, tomfoolery; horseplay, roughhousing; antic, caper, dido, practical joke, trick; aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, irritation

Near Antonyms: gravitas, gravity, seriousness, solemnity, solemnness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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