shenanigan

American  

[shuh-nan-i-guhn] / ʃəˈnæn ɪ gən /

noun

Informal.

1. Usually shenanigans.

   1. mischief; prankishness.

      Halloween shenanigans.

   2. deceit; trickery.

2. a mischievous or deceitful trick, practice, etc.

---

shenanigan British  

/ ʃɪˈnænɪɡən /

noun

1. (usually plural) roguishness; mischief

2. an act of treachery; deception

---

Etymology

Origin of shenanigan

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

After the New York Post reported these shenanigans, the offer disappeared on the publication’s website.

From Los Angeles Times

With its lawyerly shenanigans and emotional poignancy, “A Case of Life and Limb” is a real corker, as a policeman who sometimes counsels Gabriel might say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Net World Sports Yard Games – Backyard shenanigans are only made better when yard games are involved.

From Salon

Grandma used to tell me stories about this guy and all the shenanigans he used to pull to earn the respect of his family.

From Literature

As well as luring back regulars, the shenanigans have attracted new teams to the quiz, like John and Carole Kelly, who are entering for the first time.

From BBC

Related Words

• gag
• high jinks
• misbehavior
• misconduct
• prank
• transgression
• wrongdoing