Meaning and Origin
What does the name Shanty mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Shanty
User Submitted Origins
Indian (Sanskrit)
55%
English
36%
Irish
2%
Arabic
2%
French
2%
Islamic/Muslim
2%
User Submitted Meanings
- 2 submissions from Nigeria and India agree the name Shanty means "Gift of God" and is of Indian (Sanskrit) / English origin.
- According to a user from Ireland, the name Shanty is of Irish origin and means "Shanty may be the anglicised version of the Irish gaelic phrase 'sean tigh', pronounced 'shan' meaning 'old' and 'tigh' meaning 'house'".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
adjective Shan"ty
Jaunty; showy.
noun Shan"ty
A small, mean dwelling; a rough, slight building for temporary use; a hut.
Etymology: Said to be fr. Ir. sean old + tig. a house
verb Shan"ty
To inhabit a shanty.
Other Dictionary Sources
- Small crude shelter used as a dwelling
- A rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors
Wiktionary
From Canadian French chantier (“lumberjack's headquarters”). An alternative theory that the word derives from Irish seantí (meaning "of an old house") is not considered likely by lexicologists.
- A roughly-built hut or cabin.
- Synonym: shack
- A rudimentary or improvised dwelling, especially one not legally owned.
- (Australia, New Zealand) An unlicensed pub.
- Synonym: speakeasy
- (unlicensed pub): New Zealand from 1848.
- A roughly-built hut or cabin.
- Synonym: shack
- A rudimentary or improvised dwelling, especially one not legally owned.
- (Australia, New Zealand) An unlicensed pub.
- Synonym: speakeasy
From French chantez, imperative of chanter (“to sing”).
- A song a sailor sings, especially in rhythm to his work.
- Synonym: sea shanty
- Hypernym: work song
shanty was also found in the following language(s): Dutch