shuck

¹

[ shuhk ]

noun

1. a husk or pod, as the outer covering of corn, hickory nuts, chestnuts, etc.
2. Usually shucks. Informal. 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 by off ):

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

interjection

1. shucks, Informal. (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)

Derived Forms

• ˈshucker, noun

Other Words From

• shucker 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

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

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden wasn’t happy that Trump and his entourage shucked their masks after entering the debate hall.

From Los Angeles Times

Schiff shucked the microphone and walked off with an impish smile.

From Los Angeles Times

“When you bring an act into this town, you want to bring it in heavy. Don’t waste any time with cheap shucks and misdemeanors. Go straight for the jugular. Get right into felonies.”

From New York Times