shuck

¹

[shuhk]

noun

1. a husk or pod, as the outer covering of corn, hickory nuts, chestnuts, etc.

2. Informal.,  Usually shucks something useless or worthless.

   They don't care shucks about the project.

3. the shell of an oyster or clam.

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the shucks from.

   to shuck corn.

2. to remove or discard as or like shucks; peel off.

   to shuck one's clothes.

3. Slang.,  to get rid of (often followed byoff ).

   a bad habit I couldn't shuck off for years.

interjection

1. Informal.,  shucks, (used as a mild exclamation of disgust or regret.)

shuck

²

[shuhk]

verb (used with object)

Slang.

1. to deceive or lie to.

shuck

/ ʃʌk /

noun

1. the outer covering of something, such as the husk of a grain of maize, a pea pod, or an oyster shell

verb

1. to remove the shucks from

2. informal,  to throw off or remove (clothes, etc)

Other Word Forms

• shucker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shuck¹

First recorded in 1665–75; origin uncertain

Origin of shuck²

1955–60; origin uncertain; perhaps from exclamation shucks! ( shuck ¹ ) taken as a feigned sign of rural ignorance or a sham apology

Word History and Origins

Origin of shuck¹

C17: American dialect, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Odmark’s Beau, the boyfriend who gets shucked, if you will, never loses his country charisma.

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Squash is the standout in this chowder, which is surprising because it is paired with freshly shucked, cut from the cob, absolutely divine, sweet corn.

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Ridiculous Tour,” hovering over a giant photo of the comedian wearing his signature “well, shucks” grin.

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He relied on his light roux and the juices from the freshly shucked oysters to properly enrich the broth.

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As a mob stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election, Allred texted his pregnant wife, sent his love, then shucked his suit jacket and squared off to fight.

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