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

• mischief
• misconduct

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

Kimmel and Damon have playfully traded barbs over the past two decades since that moment, roping others like Ben Affleck, Sarah Silverman, and Tom Brady into their shenanigans. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025

Viewers praised Davis' character for his shenanigans and comedic delivery. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

The cult hit comedy franchise Super Troopers revolves around the shenanigans of a group of Vermont state troopers who are slacker pranksters first and foremost. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025

The cast of Southern Charm takes the spotlight with their genteel draw and spirited shenanigans center stage to give fans the perfect fix ahead of a buzz-worthy new season. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shenanigan

• brannigan

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