shenanigan

USAGE SUMMARY

"shenanigan" is a word that is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an act that is considered deceitful, underhanded, or devious. For example, "He was caught in his own shenanigans when he was accused of stealing from the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some say the vast majority of western academics in Russia continue to be treated with respect, but Kevin Rothrock, the editor of RuNet Echo, which reports on the Russian internet, wrote that the recent "pressure on academics seems to be a political shenanigan".

The Guardian

Was there some Facebook shenanigan where things just "happen" to untick themselves?

The Guardian - Tech

Republicans finally overcame this procedural shenanigan with one of their own.

The Economist

A POLITICAL shenanigan in the dead of night has changed the face of Israel's government, could do the same to Israeli society, and might even breathe a bit of life into the long-moribund peace process with the Palestinians (see article).The clandestine climax to a bizarre political drama came in the early hours of May 8th.

The Economist

Suffice it to say that the self-parody of the appellation, singular and majuscule as if affixed in Plato's firmament, appeared to rule out all interpretations competing with that of shenanigan.

The New York Times - Books

He called the joke, "pretty funny," speaking with a smile that, slightly forced, perhaps suggested that he permits such a shenanigan but wants nothing to do with it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Kwesi Addae, a fifty-three-year-old former political-science professor from Ghana and the founder of Pollwatch Africa, has monitored elections in half a dozen shenanigan-prone countries, including Togo, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau.

The New Yorker

Kwesi Addae, a fifty-three-year-old former political-science professor from Ghana and the founder of Pollwatch Africa, has monitored elections in half a dozen shenanigan-prone countries, including….

The New Yorker

This election observer was ready to deliver his verdict: "I am not impressed at all!" Kwesi Addae, a fifty-three-year-old former political-science professor from Ghana and the founder of Pollwatch Africa, has monitored elections in half a dozen shenanigan-prone countries, including Togo, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau.

The New Yorker

But next to the steady diet of Jersey shenanigans and rampaging teen moms MTV feeds its constituency, the Skins ensemble can't help but seem a little smaller than life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One poet who has stayed notably removed from all such shenanigans is Simon Armitage, who has stressed in his Oxford application that he is "a self-schooled poet who views poetry from a hill above a Yorkshire village" (which sounds a bit like Ted Hughes, and scandal followed him everywhere, but still).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "shenanigan" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more neutral terms like 'irregularity' or 'misconduct' to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Don't use "shenanigan" when describing severe misconduct or illegal activities. It can trivialize the situation and undermine the seriousness of the issue. Use more appropriate and formal terms to reflect the gravity of the matter.

Linguistic Context

The noun "shenanigan" functions as a descriptor of actions, typically those involving mischief or deception. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in political and general contexts. It encapsulates actions beyond simple playfulness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shenanigan" is a noun used to describe mischievous or deceitful activities, often with a critical or dismissive tone. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct and functions effectively in various contexts. While commonly found in news and media, it's generally considered informal. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the term's inherent connotation of questionable ethics; for more formal settings, opt for alternatives like "misconduct" or "irregularity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive trickery

Highlights the deceitful and manipulative aspect, emphasizing the use of tricks.

devious scheme

Suggests a more elaborate and cunning plan, often with malicious intent.

underhanded tactic

Emphasizes the secretive and unfair nature of the action.

dubious maneuver

Implies a strategic action that is likely to be dishonest or unreliable.

mischievous prank

Focuses on the playful and less harmful side, suggesting a lighthearted intention.

dodgy practice

Emphasizes the lack of integrity and potential illegality of a repeated behavior.

shady business

Specifically refers to activities in a business context that are suspicious or illicit.

questionable activity

Indicates actions that are ethically dubious or of uncertain legality.

fishy undertaking

Conveys a sense of suspicion and uncertainty about the true nature of an endeavor.

artful dodge

Highlights the skillful evasion of responsibility or consequences.

FAQs

How to use "shenanigan" in a sentence?

You can use "shenanigan" to describe mischievous or deceitful behavior, as in, "The political campaign was marred by various "deceptive trickery" and "underhanded tactics", which some considered mere "shenanigans".

What can I say instead of "shenanigan"?

Alternatives to "shenanigan" include "mischief", "trickery", "deception", or "artful dodge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "shenanigan" and "prank"?

"Shenanigan" often implies a level of deception or questionable ethics, whereas "mischievous prank" typically refers to a playful or harmless trick.

Is "shenanigan" a formal word?

No, "shenanigan" is generally considered an informal word. More formal alternatives would be "misconduct" or "irregularity".