Shrug

Definition of Shrug

Pronunciation: shrŭg

v. t.	1.	To draw up or contract (the shoulders), especially by way of expressing doubt, indifference, dislike, dread, or the like. [imp. & p. p. Shrugged (shrŭgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Shrugging (shrŭg"gĭng).] He shrugs his shoulders when you talk of securities. - Addison.
v. i.	1.	To raise or draw up the shoulders, as in expressing doubt, indifference, dislike, dread, or the like. They grin, they shrug. They bow, they snarl, they snatch, they hug. - Swift.
n.	1.	A gesture consisting of drawing up the shoulders, - a motion usually expressing doubt, indifference, or dislike; - it is sometimes accompanied by a slight turning of the hands outward or upward. Such a gesture may be made, as in answering "who knows" to a question, suggesting utter ignorance of an answer and a disinclination to pursue the topic further. On Sept. 23, in a major speech in New York, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commision, Arthur Levitt asked the Big Board to spike the rule [Rule 390] in the interest of free and unfettered markets. . . . Mr. Grasso responded with a shrug, saying that he had no plans to kill the rule. - Gretchen Morgenson (N. Y. Times Nov. 28, 1999 sect. 3 p. 1. The Spaniards talk in dialogues Of heads and shoulders, nods and shrugs. - Hudibras.

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