What does shinned mean?
The verb 'shinned' refers to the action of striking or hitting something with the shin, typically the front of the leg. This can be done intentionally, such as climbing a tree or a wall, or unintentionally, such as hitting a rock with one's leg. The word is often used in British English to describe climbing, but it is less common in American English. When used, it is often in informal contexts, such as in sports or in casual conversation. The word has a strong connotation of physical action and can be used to describe a range of activities, from climbing to kicking. It is a useful word for describing actions that involve the use of the legs, particularly the shins.
verbTo strike or hit something with the shin, typically the front of the leg.
- To strike or hit something with the shin
"He shinned up the tree to retrieve the ball."
"He shinned up the tree to retrieve the ball."
"The dog shinned its leg on the rock."
The plural form 'shinned' is used to describe multiple instances of the action.
"They shinned up the tree to retrieve the balls."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shinned
The word 'shinned' is derived from the Old English word 'scinnan', which means 'to strike or hit'. This word is also related to the Modern English word 'shin', which refers to the front of the leg. The word 'shinned' has been used in English since the 14th century and has retained its original meaning.
How shinned is actually used
In British English, 'shinned' is often used to describe the action of climbing up a tree or a wall using the shins. In American English, it is less common and may be considered informal.