shuck

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The shell or husk, especially of grains (e.g. corn/maize) or nuts (e.g. walnuts).

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

There was no linen, no pillow, and when she touched the mattress it gave forth the faint dry whisper of shucks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

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

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A fraud; a scam.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A phony.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “shuck” mean?

The shell or husk, especially of grains (e.g. corn/maize) or nuts (e.g. walnuts).

Is “shuck” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.