verb

Shawshank

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Shawshank (verb) means (slang) To escape from confinement, especially through patient, secretive effort over a long time. Example: “He shawshanked his way out of the debt trap by quietly saving for years.”

verb

(slang) To escape from confinement, especially through patient, secretive effort over a long time.

"He shawshanked his way out of the debt trap by quietly saving for years."

How to use Shawshank

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishInternet slang inspired by the film, meaning to escape a bad situation slowly and cleverly, often unnoticed until it's done.

When to use it

Very informal and mostly used online; not standard dictionary vocabulary.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Shawshanks
Third person singular: Shawshanks
Past tense: Shawshanked

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He _____ his way out of the debt trap by quietly saving for years.

Etymology

From the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary in Stephen King's novella and its 1994 film adaptation The Shawshank Redemption, in which a prisoner escapes after tunnelling out over many years.

· First attested 1994

Class of 1994 Shawshank joined the language around 1994.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Shawshank” mean?

The word “Shawshank” means (slang) To escape from confinement, especially through patient, secretive effort over a long time. In plain terms, internet slang inspired by the film, meaning to escape a bad situation slowly and cleverly, often unnoticed until it's done.

How do you use “Shawshank” in a sentence?

Here is “Shawshank” used in a sentence: “He shawshanked his way out of the debt trap by quietly saving for years.”

What part of speech is “Shawshank”?

“Shawshank” is a verb.

Where does the word “Shawshank” come from?

The word “Shawshank” dates back to around 1994. From the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary in Stephen King's novella and its 1994 film adaptation The Shawshank Redemption, in which a prisoner escapes after tunnelling out over many years.