What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shack
Example
The fisherman had a small shack by the lake where he spent his weekends. [shack: noun]
Example
They shack up in a small cabin during their hunting trips. [shack up: phrasal verb]
shanty
Example
The homeless man lived in a shanty made of cardboard boxes. [shanty: noun]
Example
The refugees were forced to live in shanties after their homes were destroyed. [shanties: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shack is more commonly used than shanty in everyday language, especially in North America. Shack is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shanty is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shack and shanty?
Neither shack nor shanty are particularly formal words, and both are more commonly used in informal contexts. However, shanty may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its French-Canadian origin.
