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Definition 2024

shenanigan

shenanigan

English

Noun

shenanigan ‎(plural shenanigans)

  1. (countable) A deceitful confidence trick, or mischief causing discomfort or annoyance.
    I spotted his next shenanigan — saw it coming — and so avoided being fooled.
  2. (rare) singular of shenanigans

Translations

References

Etymology

Of uncertain origin. These possibilities have been suggested:

  • Irish sionnachuighim ‎(“I play the fox”).
  • Spanish charada, a shortening of charranada ‎(“trick, deceit”).
  • Rhine Franconian schinägeln ‎(“to work hard”), from the peddler's argot term Schenigelei ‎(“work”).
  • French ces manigances ‎(“these fraudulent schemes”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ʃəˈnænɪgən/,

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