Shack Meaning and Definition
Shack
Pronunciation
/ʃæk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small, simple structure, typically made of wood or other materials, used as a temporary dwelling, storage building, or for other purposes.
Examples
- The fishermen built a shack on the coast to store their nets.
- She spent the weekend in her parents’ shack at the lake.
Synonyms
- Cottage
- Shanty
- Abode
Antonyms
- Mansion
- Palace
- Complex
Etymology
The word “shack” is derived from the Old English word “sec” or “šek,” meaning “small hut” or “shelter.”
Usage Notes
The term “shack” is often used informally to refer to a small, rustic dwelling or building.
Cultural References
Shacks have been featured in various works of literature and film, including Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick” and Martin Scorsese’s film “The Departed.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Shack up” – to live together with someone, often in a romantic relationship
- “Shack job” – a temporary or casual job
Related Words or Phrases
- Bungalow
- Cabin
- Challet
Collocations
- Beach shack
- Fishing shack
- Mountain shack
Frequency of Use
The word “shack” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but is often used in specific contexts, such as in literature or in descriptions of rural or outdoor settings.
Common Misspellings
- Shakk
- Shaker