shenanigan

noun

she·​nan·​i·​gan shə-ˈna-ni-gən 

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

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 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").

Synonyms

• devilishness
• devilment
• devilry
• deviltry
• diablerie
• espièglerie
• hob
• impishness
• knavery
• mischief
• mischievousness
• rascality
• roguery
• roguishness
• waggery
• waggishness
• wickedness

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 on the Web

The juvenile shenanigans that provide conflict are filled with tension — as predicaments like breaking an arm and dealing with cops are very different scenarios from the perspective of the Black Crandells as compared to their white predecessors. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024

Another Friday night, another welcome party: his and hers signature cocktails, best friend’s toast about embarrassing high school shenanigans and Caprese skewers at the buffet. —Isabelle Stillman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024

The organization had rules to stop those kinds of pay-for-play shenanigans and investigators to chase down overeager boosters, who mostly eluded their grasp. —Joe Drape, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2024

The acting is terrific, the visuals still pop 40 years later, but the not-so-secret sauce is really Aykroyd and Ramis' script, one full of memorable lines that finds a brilliant balance between supernatural shenanigans and thoughtful spirituality. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024

The daughter and grandchildren of Egon Spengler — R.I.P. Harold Ramis — move to his house in Oklahoma and find a bunch of supernatural shenanigans are happening. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024

The trick is that only Sam can interact with them, while Jay has to rely on his wife to know what kinds of shenanigans are going on among the dead. —Kevin Jacobsen and Hope Lasater, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2024

This shenanigan seems like a blend that could stick: Scotch Whisky by Scotch Brand. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Part 2: Pregame shenanigans Where to pregame for the Reds' Opening Day game The party doesn't stop after the Opening Day parade. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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