shenanigan

[ shuh-nan-i-guh n ]
/ ʃəˈnæn ɪ gən /

noun Informal.

Usually shenanigans.
  1. mischief; prankishness: Halloween shenanigans.
  2. deceit; trickery.
a mischievous or deceitful trick, practice, etc.

Origin of shenanigan

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; of obscure origin

Example sentences from the Web for shenanigan

  • He was a bold man who attempted any shenanigan with Mart Haney, and the games of his halls were reported honest.

    Money Magic |Hamlin Garland
  • I'll darn soon show ye what's the matter with me, you come any o' your shenanigan around here.

    Back Home |Eugene Wood

British Dictionary definitions for shenanigan

shenanigan
/ (ʃɪˈnænɪɡən) /

noun informal

(usually plural) roguishness; mischief
an act of treachery; deception

Word Origin for shenanigan

C19: of unknown origin