What does shin mean?
A shin is the front section of the lower leg, extending from just below the knee to the ankle. It covers the tibia, the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, and is commonly involved in sports injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures. The word can also function as an informal verb, especially in British and Australian English, meaning to run quickly or dash. In this use, it often suggests energetic, hurried movement rather than merely moving at a moderate pace. “Shin” is useful in both anatomical descriptions and lively descriptions of movement, appearing in expressions such as “a broken shin” and “shin guards.” Although it is sometimes confused in spelling with “skin,” the two words have entirely different meanings: skin refers to the body’s outer covering, whereas shin refers to a specific part of the leg.
The front part of the lower leg, between the knee and ankle.
"The ball struck him squarely on the shin."
The noun is standard in British and American English.
To run quickly or dash.
"The children shinned down the steep path toward the beach."
Informal, especially in British and Australian English.
The standard plural of the anatomical noun.
"Her long legs and bare shins were visible above the sandals."
The word for the front of your lower leg is also a cheerful invitation to hurry: in informal British and Australian English, to shin is to run fast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shin
The noun comes from Old English scin, meaning the shin or shinbone, and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with the lower leg or a thin, flat bone. Related forms include Dutch scheen and German Schienbein, the latter meaning “shinbone.” The verb meaning “to run quickly” developed later as informal usage.
How shin is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English. The verb is chiefly informal and is especially common in British and Australian usage.
Easily confused with shin
Skin is the body's outer covering, while a shin is the front portion of the lower leg.