The word "shenanigans" refers to playful mischief, tricks, or deceitful behavior. Often used in a lighthearted context, it can describe activities that are somewhat questionable but not necessarily harmful. People might engage in shenanigans for fun, to create chaos, or to prank others.
"Shenanigans" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, possibly derived from the Irish word "sionnachuighim," which means "to play the fox," or from a Spanish word meaning "to deceive." Its precise origins are unclear, but it has been used in American English to describe antics that are playful but potentially mischievous.