shenanigan

[shuh-nan-i-guhn]

noun

Informal.

1. Usually shenanigans.

   1. mischief; prankishness.

      Halloween shenanigans.

   2. deceit; trickery.

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

shenanigan

/ ʃɪˈnænɪɡən /

noun

1. (usually plural) roguishness; mischief

2. an act of treachery; deception

Word History and Origins

Origin of shenanigan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shenanigan¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

As one might expect, a telepathic first grader with a wild imagination who lives with a spy and an assassin can get caught up in plenty of shenanigans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Firstly, there is a statute of limitations on contesting a will in New Jersey, which has long been far exceeded by the shenanigans with your father’s estate.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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