# shag

/ˈʃæɡ/ (US) · /ʃˈæɡ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shag
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

a casual sexual encounter, often with someone you don't know well.

For teachers: a brief or casual sexual encounter, typically with a prostitute or someone not in a committed relationship. Informal, vulgar register.

## Examples

- He went on a shag last night.
- The man was arrested after a police raid on a shag house.
- The journalist's article exposed the exploitation behind the so-called 'shag' industry in the city.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.