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").
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
Mixing adult comedy with kid-friendly shenanigans, ghostly mayhem and even a little thoughtful spirituality ensues when four guys protect Manhattan from being toasted by an ancient demon and a kaiju-sized marshmallow guy.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Gravina’s praise for his temperament amid the media glare also left one with the impression that the FIGC president can’t be on social media, where the reels of Gattuso’s press conference shenanigans have guaranteed virality.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Sun Sentinel While the sight of the sport’s biggest prize being filled with Budweiser may not have raised many eyebrows in the corporate offices of the NHL, Tkachuk hinted he had been warned against repeating some of last year’s victory hangover shenanigans.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Plus, there are only so many shenanigans F1 will tolerate from one driver trying to finagle the race outcome.
—Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shenanigan
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Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Gravina’s praise for his temperament amid the media glare also left one with the impression that the FIGC president can’t be on social media, where the reels of Gattuso’s press conference shenanigans have guaranteed virality.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Sun Sentinel While the sight of the sport’s biggest prize being filled with Budweiser may not have raised many eyebrows in the corporate offices of the NHL, Tkachuk hinted he had been warned against repeating some of last year’s victory hangover shenanigans.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Plus, there are only so many shenanigans F1 will tolerate from one driver trying to finagle the race outcome.
—Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shenanigan
Cite this Entry
“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shenanigan. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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