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

Ball's last show will be on Friday 20 December, "just in time for Christmas with plenty of fun and shenanigans," she told listeners on her Tuesday show.

From BBC

And, statistically, when you get that many people prowling the sidewalks, the chances for shenanigans are high.

From Los Angeles Times

One post, viewed more than 3 million times, said the picture showed “weird ballot shenanigans happening”.

From BBC

The 60-year-old said he voted early this year because he “didn’t want to get caught up in the shenanigans that possibly could happen on that day, computer-wise.”

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week he posted an Instagram video in which he declares that “Big oil big wigs are up to their oily shenanigans here in California.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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