'shenanigan' originates from American English, possibly from the Irish word 'sionnachuighim,' where 'sionnach' meant 'fox.'

'sionnachuighim' transformed into the American English word 'shenanigan,' and eventually became the modern English word 'shenanigans.'

Initially, it meant 'to play tricks like a fox,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'mischievous or deceitful behavior.'