aw-shucks

American

[aw-shuhks] / ˈɔˈʃʌks /

adjective

Informal.

characterized by a shy, embarrassed, often provincial manner.

aw-shucks British

/ ˌɔːˈʃʌks /

adjective

seeming to be modest, self-deprecating, or shy

don't be fooled by his aw-shucks attitude

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of aw-shucks

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Although Superman is recognizable all over the world, his aw-shucks demeanor and nearly limitless superpowers have made him a tough character to make relevant to today’s audiences.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

“We should not be fooled by his aw-shucks style,” Fea added in Current, an online journal.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

But all of Archduke Eduard’s aw-shucks baroque kitsch cannot obscure the fact that all the modern horrors that Habsburg laments, from Protestantism and capitalism to secularism and mass democracy, were birthed on his family’s watch.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2023

The actor is irresistibly charismatic, charming, and slightly devious as he flashes his megawatt smile and emphasizes his aw-shucks demeanor.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2023

“I only saw Alaska, but Chip ran away, which struck me as cowardly, as does Miles and Takumi’s aw-shucks routine,” the Eagle said, giving me the Look of Doom.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023