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
Some offbeat but necessary casting shenanigans here: Jimmy Smits played Bail Organa in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith (which is, like it or not, where a lot of the infrastructure for Andor and Rogue One came from).
—
Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
Both seasons will each consist of 10 episodes, and continue to follow the wacky shenanigans and nonsensical adventures of the titular characters.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
If Hegseth wanted our military to be feared, his leadership has thus far had the opposite effect — if anything, the shenanigans at Defense have weakened our standing in the world.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Unfortunately, many of the worst shenanigans get swept under rugs, because founders fear blowback that could affect their ability to operate.
—Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shenanigan
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Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
Both seasons will each consist of 10 episodes, and continue to follow the wacky shenanigans and nonsensical adventures of the titular characters.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
If Hegseth wanted our military to be feared, his leadership has thus far had the opposite effect — if anything, the shenanigans at Defense have weakened our standing in the world.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Unfortunately, many of the worst shenanigans get swept under rugs, because founders fear blowback that could affect their ability to operate.
—Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 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 11 May. 2025.
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