Word
shenanigans
Phoneticsshenani·gans
US/ʃəˈnænɪɡənz/
UK/ʃɪnˈænɪɡənz/
Definition
n. silly or dishonest behavior that is often meant to trick people. You use this when someone is being playful or slightly naughty.
n. secret or dishonest activities that are often mischievous or deceitful. Frequently implies a playful or chaotic disregard for rules.
Examples
“The children were up to their usual shenanigans in the garden.”
“The investigation revealed financial shenanigans designed to hide the company's growing debt from its investors.”
“While the public enjoyed the political shenanigans during the debate, serious analysts were concerned about the lack of substantive policy discussion.”
Examples
simple
“The children were up to their usual shenanigans in the garden.”
contextual
“The investigation revealed financial shenanigans designed to hide the company's growing debt from its investors.”
complex
“While the public enjoyed the political shenanigans during the debate, serious analysts were concerned about the lack of substantive policy discussion.”
Usage
Pluralia tantum — takes a plural verb and is rarely used in the singular form.
Real-World Examples
“And, infamously, the club sold its women’s team to itself as part of some accounting shenanigans to stay on the right side of financial regulations.” “Domhnall Gleeson and scene-stealing Sabrina Impacciatore lead the shenanigans in the newsroom mockumentary.” Etymology
From shenanigan + -s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/shenanigans