If a word were ever invented for Halloween, it would be shenanigans. Shenanigans refer to tricky or questionable actions, like the familiar “trick or treat” slogan children use on Halloween night to request candy. This lighter use of the word refers to mischief.
There are many other uses for the word, especially when referring to political or business actions and activities. We think of political shenanigans when we think of elections, or bills passed in the middle of the night with little review. This gives us another more sinister definition of underhanded actions or tricks.
“Our children were very skilled candy gatherers using ‘trick or treat’ shenanigans to convince people to give them treats.”
“Bill ran a Ponzi scheme and used all types of shenanigans to bilk friends out of money.”
“Many thought that more than a few shenanigans were involved in the 2020 Presidential election.”
Chicanery is closely associated with the word shenanigan. This form of trickery is more closely tied to deception, skilled trickery, or subterfuge. It also is closely related to political actions, conversations, and writings. There seems to be no lighter use of chicanery, as with shenanigan.
“They were not above using technical chicanery to influence voters using artificial intelligence.”
“Our local councilman used chicanery to gather ineligible votes.”
“We all hope for elections free of chicanery, but politicians will be politicians.”
Using the two in a sentence is difficult because of their similar meanings, but it can be done.
“The councilman’s chicanery was only surpassed by his campaign manager’s shenanigans, making it the most entertaining election season yet.”
“The chicanery of the headless horseman made his shenanigans fearful to all, especially the teacher Ichabod Crane.”
“The hedge fund manager’s chicanery was so convoluted that his shenanigans often required a flowchart to follow and find his thievery.”
