What does shagged mean?
Shagged is an informal word meaning very tired or exhausted, as in “I’m completely shagged after work.” It is especially common in British and North American English and often appears in intensifying expressions such as “absolutely shagged” and “shagged out.” In less common or more literary senses, shagged can describe hair or fur that is long, uneven, or untidy, as well as material whose surface has been made furry or rough by wear. The word’s meaning therefore depends heavily on context: when it describes a person, exhaustion is normally intended. As a verb, shagged is the past tense of shag, meaning to make something untidy or furry through rubbing or wear. Although shagged can sound blunt or colloquial, it is vivid and widely understood, especially in informal speech.
Very tired or exhausted.
"The children were completely shagged by the time they got home."
Informal, especially common in British and North American speech.
Having long, uneven, or untidy hair or fur; made furry or rough by wear.
"The old coat had a shagged, threadbare collar."
To make or leave something furry, rough, or untidy through rubbing or wear.
"The fence was shagged by the wind and rain."
Less common and more literary than the informal adjective meaning exhausted.
If you are completely worn out, English lets you say you are shagged — and if you mean merely untidy, context had better be clear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shagged
The modern adjective and verb belong to the word family of shag, whose older sense referred to coarse, uneven hair or a rough, shaggy surface. The verb meaning to make something furry or rough through wear developed from this older physical sense. The adjective meaning exhausted became established in informal British English during the 20th century. The word’s ultimate origin is uncertain, so a more specific connection to an ancient Germanic or other language should not be assumed.
Related word forms
How shagged is actually used
As a term for exhaustion, shagged is informal and especially characteristic of British and North American speech. Its other uses may sound literary, archaic, or regional.
Easily confused with shagged
Shagged most commonly means very tired, whereas shaggy describes hair or an object that is long, uneven, or untidy.
Shagged is pronounced with a hard g sound, while shackled means restrained or impeded by a shackle.