shanty

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun small crude shelter used as a dwelling
  2. noun a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors

Etymology

From Canadian French chantier (“lumberjack's headquarters”). An alternative theory that the word derives from Irish seantí (meaning "old house") is not considered likely by lexicologists. * (unlicensed pub): New Zealand from 1848.

In classic literature

Synonyms

hovel, hut, hutch, shack

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