English · Slang Attested

break shins

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To borrow money.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

to borrow money. Probably from an older slang phrase, "kick," to ask for drink-money.

Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English

Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Topics: Historical slang (1800s)

Common questions

What does “break shins” mean?

To borrow money.

Is “break shins” formal or informal?

break shins is generally slang.

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