Culture & Lifestyle • Gesture

Shrug

A shrug is a body-language gesture in which a person raises and lowers both shoulders, often with raised palms or a slight head tilt.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A shrug is a body-language gesture in which a person raises and lowers both shoulders, often with raised palms or a slight head tilt. It commonly communicates uncertainty, lack of knowledge, indifference, or resignation. The gesture is widely recognized in English-speaking and other Western contexts, including Canada.

Meaning and use

A shrug functions as a nonverbal message meaning “I don’t know,” “I don’t care,” or “I’m not sure.” It can replace speech or reinforce spoken uncertainty. The gesture may also signal resignation or a lack of a clear response.

Physical form

The gesture usually involves a brief upward lift of both shoulders followed by a release. It is sometimes combined with hand, facial, or head movements that strengthen the meaning, such as raised eyebrows, palms turned upward, or a tilted head.

Cultural interpretation

Shrugs are especially familiar in Western and English-speaking communication. Their meaning is generally understood, though exact interpretation can vary with context and accompanying facial expression.

The word “shrug” is also used as a verb for the gesture itself. In some dictionaries, it is also a noun for a short, cropped cardigan-style garment, which is a separate meaning.

Key facts

A shrug is performed by raising both shoulders and then lowering them.
It is often used to express that a person does not know an answer.
It can also signal indifference, doubt, or resignation.
The gesture may be accompanied by palms-up hands, raised eyebrows, or a head tilt.
In some contexts, a shrug can counter or soften what is being said verbally.

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Canadian context

Shrug is a common English-language body-language gesture understood in Canada, especially in everyday conversation, media, and interpersonal communication.

Frequently asked questions

What is a shrug?

A shrug is a gesture in which a person raises and lowers the shoulders, often to show uncertainty, indifference, or lack of knowledge.

What does a shrug usually mean?

It usually means “I don’t know,” “I don’t care,” or “I’m not sure,” depending on context.

How is a shrug performed?

It is usually done by lifting both shoulders briefly and then lowering them again, sometimes with palms up or raised eyebrows.

Is a shrug the same as saying “I don’t know”?

Often, yes. In many contexts, it functions as a nonverbal equivalent of saying “I don’t know.”

Does a shrug always mean indifference?

No. It can also signal uncertainty, resignation, or a lack of a clear response.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrug
Supports: Basic definition of shrug as a gesture raising both shoulders and expressing indifference or lack of knowledge.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/shrug
Supports: Definition of shrug as raising shoulders to express not knowing, not caring, or uncertainty.
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/shrug
Supports: Meanings of shrug as a shoulder-raising gesture expressing indifference, disdain, ignorance, or uncertainty.
Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/shrug
Supports: Verb sense for the shoulder gesture and separate noun sense for a cropped cardigan-like garment.
Vocabulary.com — https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/shrug
Supports: Gesture meaning, common interpretations, and related noun sense.