shag slang

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasevulgarslangBritish

   A label for the word "shag" when it is used as coarse British slang meaning to have sex.

   Grammar: Used to talk about the word itself, not as a sentence: "Shag slang is very rude."

   Patterns

   • shag slang for something
   • use shag slang

   The dictionary marks "shag" as shag slang, so it should not be used at work.

   Teachers warn students that shag slang can cause offence in Britain.

   He looked up shag slang and learned it is much ruder than he expected.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseslangBritish

   The informal vocabulary connected with the word "shag", including its rude British uses.

   Grammar: Refers to a set of expressions rather than one action; often followed by for: shag slang for sex.

   Patterns

   • shag slang for something

   Older British comedies are full of shag slang.

   The article explained the origin of shag slang in British working-class speech.

Common combinations

shag slang for sex

Many learners are surprised that "shag" is shag slang for sex in Britain.

use shag slang

Do not use shag slang in front of your host family.

shag slang is offensive

In a formal essay, remember that shag slang is offensive.

a word of shag slang

"Shag" is a word of shag slang that Americans often misunderstand.

Synonyms and how they differ

vulgar slang

A general label for rude informal words; shag slang is narrower because it names the specific word "shag".

taboo word

Focuses on words that are avoided in polite speech; shag slang is a label for one such word's informal use.

Word family

shag verb

The coarse British slang verb for having sex.

shag noun

A British slang noun for a sexual act, or a dance and a type of carpet in other senses.

Commonly confused: shag slang or shaggy?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “shag slang”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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