What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shenanigan
Example
The kids were up to their usual shenanigans, playing pranks on each other. [shenanigans: noun]
Example
He pulled off a hilarious shenanigan on his friend by filling his office with balloons. [shenanigan: singular noun]
hoax
Example
The news report about the alien invasion turned out to be a hoax. [hoax: noun]
Example
She was arrested for hoaxing her own kidnapping to get ransom money. [hoaxing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hoax is more commonly used than shenanigan in everyday language. Hoax is often used in news and media to describe false or misleading information, while shenanigan is less common and often used in casual conversation to describe playful or mischievous behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shenanigan and hoax?
Hoax is typically associated with a more formal tone, while shenanigan is more informal and casual in tone.
