shenanigan

noun she·nan·i·gan \ shə-ˈna-ni-gən \

Updated on: 9 May 2018

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 in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of shenanigan from the Web

While some think Kanye West is planning a presidential run in 2020, others argue his political shenanigans are costing him both his career and legacy.

— littice bacon-blood, NOLA.com, "Meghan Markle's dad will escort her, other royal wedding details released: report," 4 May 2018
Her sister, Jo-Ann Bruno, said Nancy was known for her shenanigans and prankster behavior.

— juan ortega, www.feloniousflorida.com, "The Kidnap Kit," 24 Apr. 2018
Known for his shenanigans, Jim never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "Jim V. Carroll," 23 Apr. 2018
Stay tuned for his shenanigans when Season 2 of Westworld premieres on Sunday.

— ashley hoffman, Time, "How Westworld's William Evolved Into the Man in Black," 21 Apr. 2018
Behave politely toward her, but remain detached from her shenanigans.

— amy dickinson, BostonGlobe.com, "Partner’s sister insists on family exclusion," 15 Apr. 2018
Then Young and Clarkson, lubricated by wedding wine and the firm belief that the wedding guests expected their shenanigans, got an idea.

— tania ganguli, latimes.com, "Julius Randle: From bully on the court to gentle giant at home," 24 Mar. 2018
Rip seemed to accept his decision, and the two got drunk together in a night full of shenanigans.

— sydney bucksbaum, The Hollywood Reporter, "DC TV Watch: 'Black Lightning' Goes Head-to-Head With Thunder," 2 Mar. 2018
Does that seem like your run-of-the-mill youthful shenanigans?

— jill filipovic, Cosmopolitan, "David Becker's Lawyer Said His Client Made a "Mistake." Rape Is Never a "Mistake"," 24 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shenanigan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

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 use of the word in print appeared in the April 25, 1855, issue of San Francisco's Town Talk. 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").