shamus

[ shah-muhs, shey- ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural sha·mus·es.

1. a detective.
2. a police officer.

shamus

/ ˈʃeɪ-; ˈʃɑːməs /

noun

1. slang.
   a police or private detective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamus¹

1925–30; of obscure origin, though popularly derived from either Yiddish shames shammes or the Irish male given name Séamas

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamus¹

probably from shammes , influenced by Irish Séamas James

Example Sentences

The heroes are typically amateur or private detectives, possibly quirky, often women, sometimes a couple; they aren’t likely to suffer the afflictions common to the hard-boiled shamus — depression, rage, alcoholism, untreated trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

Philip Marlowe at quarterback, Easy Rawlins at strong safety, and a fierce defensive line of framed shamuses.

From New York Times

And as the Honolulu-based shamus Thomas Magnum, a journeyman actor named Tom Selleck made himself a star on the strength of a twinkling smile and a modest gift for self-deprecating humor.

From New York Times

It doesn’t take much to lure the old shamus out of a seclusion, which he isn’t much enjoying anyhow.

From Los Angeles Times

With a cheap business card and an equally cheap jacket and tie, he smilingly ambles it into the shamus role, knocking on doors and sniffing out leads among all the yammer and serviceable visuals.

From New York Times

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
• private investigator
• prosecutor
• reporter
• sleuth
• spy