Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
questionable practices or mischievous activity
- How to Memorize
- shenanigans - mischief
- Analysis
Unlike the similar meaning ‘chicanery', the word 'shenanigans’ expresses a form of trickery that is plural, and has less negative connotations due to the humorous element attached to it. It is more about getting up to high-spirited or boisterous mischief rather than calculated manipulation. For that reason, it is less common in a professional context.
- Example(s)
I told my kids to settle down and that I would not be putting up with any more of their shenanigans.
Paul was a brilliant player, but his career was impeded by his frequent off-the-field shenanigans.
I’m getting an accountant to go through the books to make sure there hasn’t been any financial shenanigans.
