shenanigan

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Usage notes 1.2.2 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Uncertain in origin. These have been suggested:

• From Irish sionnachuighim (“‘I play the fox’”),
• From Spanish chanada, a shortening of charranada (“‘trick", "deceit’”),
• From German slang schenigeln (“‘to work’”) from peddler’s argot Schenigelei (“‘work’”).

[edit] Noun

shenanigan (plural shenanigans)

1. Trickery, games; skulduggery. To "call", "claim" or "declare" shenanigans is to rhetorically and ironically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.

   "The advertisement said it would cost $50 but they charged me $75 at the register. I declare shenanigans." The speaker passes off the statement as having some sort of implied official effect, but in reality, it is simply a complaint.

2. A deceitful confidence trick, or mischief causing discomfort or annoyance.
3. Mischievous play, especially by children.

   You should learn to spot their shenanigans and avoid being fooled.

[edit] Usage notes

• Much more common in its plural form.

[edit] References

• Shenanigan on Wikipedia.Wikipedia