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 was caught pulling shenanigans on his coworkers, and he was promptly fired. [shenanigans: plural noun]
mischief
Example
The cat got into mischief again, knocking over the vase. [mischief: noun]
Example
The children giggled as they planned their next mischievous prank. [mischievous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mischief is more common than shenanigan in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shenanigan and mischief?
Neither shenanigan nor mischief are particularly formal words, but shenanigan may be perceived as more informal or slangy due to its negative connotation.
