Top 43 Slang For Shenanigan – Meaning & Usage

Shenanigans, the playful and mischievous antics that add a spark of fun to any situation, have a language of their own. Curious about the slang terms that go hand in hand with these delightful escapades? Look no further as we’ve gathered a list of the most entertaining and popular slang for shenanigans that will have you ready to stir up some trouble (the good kind, of course)! So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of shenanigans!

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1. Antics

This term refers to playful or mischievous behavior, often characterized by funny or silly actions. It is used to describe someone’s actions that are intended to be entertaining or amusing.

For example, “He’s always up to his antics, trying to make everyone laugh.”
In a group of friends, one might say, “Let’s get up to some antics tonight and have a great time.”
When someone does something silly, another person might comment, “Nice antics there, you really made us laugh.”

2. Tomfoolery

Tomfoolery refers to silly or foolish behavior, often done in a playful or mischievous manner. It is used to describe actions that are considered lighthearted and not to be taken seriously.

For instance, “Stop your tomfoolery and get back to work.”
During a prank, someone might say, “I can’t believe you fell for that tomfoolery.”
When someone does something silly, another person might jokingly say, “Cut out the tomfoolery and act like a grown-up.”

3. Hijinks

Hijinks refers to boisterous or playful behavior, often involving pranks or mischief. It is used to describe actions that are meant to be funny or entertaining, but sometimes can be disruptive or cause trouble.

For example, “The group of friends always got into hijinks whenever they were together.”
During a party, someone might say, “Let the hijinks begin!”
When someone pulls a prank, another person might comment, “Those hijinks were hilarious, you really got us.”

4. Monkey business

Monkey business refers to mischievous or deceitful behavior, often done in a sneaky or dishonest manner. It is used to describe actions that are considered suspicious or untrustworthy.

For instance, “I don’t want any monkey business, just give me the facts.”
When someone is being sneaky, another person might say, “I see you’re up to your monkey business again.”
During a game with rules, someone might warn, “No monkey business allowed, play fair.”

5. Malarkey

Malarkey refers to nonsense or foolish talk, often used to dismiss or criticize someone’s words. It is used to describe statements or claims that are considered untrue or lacking in credibility.

For example, “Don’t listen to his malarkey, he’s just trying to deceive you.”
During a heated argument, someone might say, “Enough of your malarkey, let’s stick to the facts.”
When someone tells an unbelievable story, another person might comment, “That’s pure malarkey, I don’t believe a word of it.”

6. Rascality

Refers to engaging in playful or mischievous behavior, often with the intention of causing trouble or annoyance.

For example, a group of friends might plan some rascality by pulling pranks on each other.
In a comedic movie, a character might be known for their rascality and constantly getting into trouble.
A parent might scold their child for their rascality, saying, “Stop with the rascality and behave yourself!”

7. Skulduggery

Refers to engaging in dishonest or underhanded behavior, often for personal gain or to deceive others.

For instance, a politician might be accused of skulduggery for engaging in corrupt practices.
In a mystery novel, the detective uncovers a web of skulduggery among the suspects.
A person might warn their friend about a shady business deal, saying, “Watch out for any skulduggery, it seems too good to be true.”

8. Capers

Refers to playful and lively antics or pranks, often done for amusement or entertainment.

For example, a group of friends might go on capers, exploring abandoned buildings or pulling harmless pranks on each other.
In a comedy movie, the main characters might go on a series of capers, leading to hilarious situations.
A person might describe their adventurous weekend as a series of capers, saying, “We had so much fun going on different capers around the city!”

9. Pranks

Refers to playful and mischievous practical jokes or tricks played on others for amusement.

For instance, on April Fool’s Day, people often play pranks on their friends and family.
In a school setting, students might engage in pranks like filling the teacher’s office with balloons.
A person might recount a funny prank they played on their sibling, saying, “I switched the sugar with salt, and their reaction was priceless!”

10. Jiggery-pokery

Refers to engaging in dishonest or deceptive behavior, often with the intention of tricking or fooling others.

For example, a con artist might use jiggery-pokery to manipulate people into giving them money.
In a magic show, the magician might use jiggery-pokery to create illusions and deceive the audience.
A person might express their frustration with someone’s jiggery-pokery, saying, “I can’t trust anything they say, it’s all jiggery-pokery!”

11. Shenanigans

Shenanigans refers to playful or mischievous behavior, often involving pranks or tricks. It can also be used to describe any kind of playful or silly activity.

For example, “We had a night full of shenanigans at the party.”
A parent might say to their child, “No more shenanigans, it’s time for bed.”
A friend might tease another by saying, “You’re always up to some kind of shenanigans!”

12. Hooliganism

Hooliganism refers to rowdy, disruptive, or violent behavior, typically associated with a group of troublemakers or hooligans. It often involves causing chaos or disturbances in public places.

For instance, “The soccer match was marred by hooliganism in the stands.”
A news report might highlight incidents of hooliganism during a protest or rally.
A witness might describe a scene by saying, “There was a lot of hooliganism going on, with people throwing bottles and starting fights.”

13. Shindig

Shindig is a term used to describe a lively or festive gathering or party. It often implies a fun and energetic atmosphere with music, dancing, and socializing.

For example, “We’re throwing a shindig at our place this weekend, you should come!”
A friend might say, “Let’s have a small shindig to celebrate your birthday.”
A person might reminisce about a past shindig, saying, “That was one epic shindig we had last summer!”

14. Ruckus

A ruckus refers to a noisy or chaotic disturbance, often involving loud voices, commotion, or argument. It can also be used to describe a situation that is disorderly or out of control.

For instance, “There was a ruckus outside the bar as a fight broke out.”
A teacher might scold students, saying, “Stop causing a ruckus and settle down!”
A witness might describe a scene by saying, “There was a ruckus in the street with people shouting and cars honking.”

15. Hoopla

Hoopla refers to excitement or fuss over something, often in an exaggerated or excessive manner. It can also be used to describe a big event or celebration.

For example, “There was a lot of hoopla surrounding the movie premiere.”
A person might say, “Let’s create some hoopla to promote the new product.”
A news headline might read, “Hoopla over celebrity’s new hairstyle.”

16. Hullabaloo

Hullabaloo refers to a noisy disturbance or commotion, often involving a lot of people. It is used to describe a situation that is chaotic or disorderly.

For example, “There was a hullabaloo in the streets after the team won the championship.”
During a protest, one might say, “The crowd created a hullabaloo as they marched through the city.”
A person might exclaim, “What’s all the hullabaloo about?”

17. Fandango

Fandango is a term used to describe a lively or extravagant behavior or activity. It often implies a sense of excitement or enthusiasm.

For instance, “The party turned into a fandango with people dancing and singing.”
During a celebration, one might say, “Let’s have a fandango and make this a night to remember!”
A person might describe a concert as, “The band’s performance was a fandango of lights and music.”

18. Skullduggery

Skullduggery refers to deceitful or dishonest behavior, often involving trickery or manipulation. It is used to describe actions that are sneaky or underhanded.

For example, “The politician was involved in all sorts of skullduggery to gain an advantage.”
When describing a con artist, one might say, “He was known for his skullduggery and ability to deceive.”
A person might warn, “Be careful of his skullduggery. He can’t be trusted.”

19. Monkeyshines

Monkeyshines refers to mischievous or playful behavior, often associated with pranks or tricks. It is used to describe actions that are silly or lighthearted.

For instance, “The children were up to their usual monkeyshines, causing laughter and chaos.”
During a family gathering, one might say, “Let’s have some monkeyshines and enjoy ourselves.”
A person might describe a comedian’s act as, “His monkeyshines had the audience in stitches.”

20. Rumpus

Rumpus refers to loud or boisterous activity, often involving a lot of noise and excitement. It is used to describe a situation that is rowdy or tumultuous.

For example, “The party turned into a rumpus with people dancing and shouting.”
During a celebration, one might say, “Let’s create a rumpus and have a great time!”
A person might describe a protest as, “The crowd’s rumpus could be heard from blocks away.”

21. Buffoonery

Buffoonery refers to engaging in silly or foolish behavior, often for the purpose of entertaining or amusing others.

For example, a group of friends might engage in buffoonery by pulling pranks on each other.
During a comedy show, a comedian might engage in buffoonery to make the audience laugh.
A person might describe a chaotic situation as a result of buffoonery, saying, “It was pure buffoonery, with everyone running around and causing mayhem.”

22. Mischief

Mischief refers to engaging in playful or harmless behavior that often involves minor trouble or pranks.

For instance, children might get up to mischief by playing practical jokes on each other.
During a sleepover, friends might plan some mischief by sneaking into the kitchen to grab snacks.
A person might describe a mischievous pet as always getting into mischief, saying, “You never know what trouble they’ll find.”

23. Trickery

Trickery refers to the use of deception or deceit to fool or manipulate others.

For example, a magician might use trickery to perform illusions and make things appear or disappear.
In a game of poker, a player might use trickery to bluff and deceive their opponents.
A person might warn others about someone’s trickery, saying, “Don’t trust them, they’re known for their trickery.”

24. Nonsense

Nonsense refers to absurd or meaningless words or actions that lack logic or sense.

For instance, someone might spout nonsense when they’re joking around or trying to be humorous.
During a heated argument, one person might accuse the other of talking nonsense.
A person might dismiss a ridiculous statement by saying, “That’s pure nonsense, it makes no sense at all.”

25. Capering

Capering refers to playful or lively jumping or dancing, often done in a carefree or energetic manner.

For example, children might be seen capering around a playground, full of joy and excitement.
During a celebration, people might start capering and dancing to the music.
A person might describe a playful dog’s behavior as capering, saying, “Look at them capering around the yard, they’re so happy.”

26. Horseplay

This term refers to playful or rowdy behavior, often involving physical contact or pranks. It is typically used to describe behavior that is not serious or harmful in nature.

For example, a group of friends might engage in horseplay at the pool, splashing and playfully pushing each other.
In a workplace setting, a supervisor might warn employees against engaging in horseplay, as it can lead to accidents or injuries.
A parent might scold their children for engaging in horseplay indoors, saying, “Stop that roughhousing before someone gets hurt!”

27. Folly

Folly refers to foolish or silly behavior, often characterized by a lack of good judgment or common sense. It is used to describe actions or decisions that are considered unwise or unnecessary.

For instance, someone might comment on a friend’s decision to spend their entire paycheck on a frivolous purchase, saying, “That’s pure folly!”
In a political context, a commentator might criticize a government’s decision as a folly, stating, “This policy is an absolute absurdity.”
A person might reflect on their past actions and admit, “Looking back, I can see the folly of my youth.”

28. Chicanery

Chicanery refers to the use of trickery or deceit to achieve one’s goals. It involves the manipulation of others or the use of dishonest tactics to gain an advantage.

For example, a lawyer might accuse the opposing counsel of chicanery in the courtroom, claiming they are attempting to deceive the jury.
In a business context, a competitor might employ chicanery to gain an unfair advantage over their rivals, such as spreading false rumors or sabotaging their products.
A person might warn their friend about a potential scam, saying, “Be careful, there’s a lot of chicanery going on in that industry.”

29. Gimmickry

Gimmickry refers to the use of clever or novel tricks or tactics to attract attention or gain an advantage. It often involves the use of flashy or attention-grabbing techniques.

For instance, a company might use gimmickry in their advertising campaign, such as offering free giveaways or creating viral videos.
In a performance context, a magician might incorporate gimmickry into their act to create illusions and surprise the audience.
A person might criticize a product for relying too heavily on gimmickry, saying, “It’s all flash and no substance.”

30. Ploy

A ploy refers to a clever or cunning strategy or maneuver used to achieve a specific goal. It often involves the use of deception or manipulation to gain an advantage.

For example, a negotiator might use a ploy to distract the other party and gain the upper hand in a business deal.
In a game or sport, a player might employ a ploy to confuse their opponents and score a goal or win the game.
A person might recognize a friend’s attempt to use a ploy to get out of doing their fair share of work, saying, “Nice try, but I see through your ploy.”

31. Racket

This term refers to an illegal or dishonest scheme or activity, often done for financial gain.

For example, “He was involved in a racket that defrauded thousands of people.”
In a discussion about organized crime, one might mention, “The mafia was known for running various rackets.”
A person warning others might say, “Be careful of online rackets that promise quick money.”

32. Stunt

A stunt refers to an impressive or daring feat performed for entertainment or attention.

For instance, “The daredevil performed a dangerous stunt by jumping off a building.”
In a conversation about action movies, one might say, “The film had some incredible stunts that left the audience in awe.”
A person describing a thrilling experience might say, “I went skydiving and it was the most exhilarating stunt I’ve ever done.”

33. Trick

A trick is an act of deception or a clever prank.

For example, “He played a trick on his friend by hiding their car keys.”
In a discussion about magic, one might say, “The magician performed an amazing trick where he made a card disappear.”
A person warning others might say, “Don’t fall for their tricks, they’re trying to scam you.”

34. Gag

A gag refers to a playful or humorous prank or joke.

For instance, “They pulled a gag on their coworker by filling their office with balloons.”
In a conversation about comedy, one might say, “The comedian’s gag about parenting had the audience in stitches.”
A person describing a funny situation might say, “We played a gag on our friend by pretending to be waiters at their birthday dinner.”

35. Mischief-making

Mischief-making refers to engaging in naughty or playful behavior, often with the intention of causing trouble or amusement.

For example, “The children were up to some mischief-making when they decided to paint the dog.”
In a discussion about pranks, one might say, “He was known for his mischief-making and always had a new prank up his sleeve.”
A person describing a mischievous act might say, “We got into some mischief-making by rearranging all the furniture in the office.”

36. Pratfall

A pratfall refers to a comedic fall or stumble, often done intentionally for comedic effect. It is typically used to describe a clumsy or embarrassing incident.

For example, “He slipped on a banana peel and took a pratfall in front of everyone.”
In a discussion about physical comedy, someone might say, “Charlie Chaplin was known for his expertly timed pratfalls.”
A comedian might incorporate a pratfall into their act, saying, “Watch me take a pratfall and make you all laugh!”

37. Hootenanny

A hootenanny is an informal gathering or party, often featuring music and entertainment. It is a lively and festive event where people come together to have a good time.

For instance, “We’re having a hootenanny at our house this weekend, bring your instruments and join the fun!”
In a conversation about memorable events, someone might say, “The hootenanny we had last summer was legendary.”
A musician might invite their fans to a hootenanny, saying, “Come join us for a night of music and dancing at our hootenanny!”

38. Fiasco

A fiasco refers to a complete failure or disaster, often resulting from a poorly planned or executed event. It is used to describe a situation that goes completely wrong and ends in chaos or disappointment.

For example, “The company’s product launch turned into a fiasco when the system crashed.”
In a discussion about travel mishaps, someone might share, “Our family vacation turned into a fiasco when our flight got canceled and our luggage got lost.”
A person describing a disastrous party might say, “The party was a total fiasco, with no music, no food, and nobody showing up.”

39. Escapade

An escapade refers to an adventurous or daring act, often involving exciting or unconventional experiences. It is used to describe a bold or risky adventure.

For instance, “We went on a spontaneous road trip and had many exciting escapades along the way.”
In a conversation about memorable experiences, someone might share, “My skydiving escapade was the most thrilling thing I’ve ever done.”
A person describing a wild night out might say, “Last night’s escapade included dancing on tables and sneaking into a VIP party.”

40. Clowning around

Clowning around refers to engaging in playful or silly behavior, often for the purpose of entertaining others or lightening the mood. It is used to describe acts of goofiness or lightheartedness.

For example, “The kids were clowning around, making funny faces and telling jokes.”
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, someone might say, “We have a lot of fun in our office, always clowning around and keeping the mood light.”
A person describing a funny video might say, “Check out this hilarious clip of people clowning around and pulling pranks on each other.”

41. Mummery

This term refers to behavior that is silly, foolish, or lacking in seriousness. It can also describe a performance or spectacle that is exaggerated or ridiculous.

For example, “The group of friends engaged in mummery, wearing silly costumes and making funny faces.”
In a review of a comedy show, one might say, “The mummery on stage had the audience in stitches.”
A person might describe a friend’s antics as, “He’s always up to some mummery, trying to make people laugh.”

42. Frolics

Frolics are lively, playful activities or games. The term often implies a sense of joy and fun.

For instance, “The children spent the afternoon in frolics, running and laughing in the park.”
In a conversation about weekend plans, someone might say, “I’m looking forward to some outdoor frolics with my friends.”
A person might describe a party as, “It was a night of dancing, drinking, and general frolics.”

43. Gags

Gags are pranks or jokes that are intended to be funny or entertaining. The term can also refer to a comedic device or trick.

For example, “The group of friends played gags on each other all night, causing laughter and surprises.”
In a discussion about comedy, someone might say, “Physical gags, like slipping on a banana peel, have been a staple of slapstick humor.”
A person might describe a funny video as, “It’s full of hilarious gags that had me laughing out loud.”