Shack up with

verb

To live together or have a sexual relationship without being married.

I heard that Jack decided to shack up with his girlfriend.
Visual representation of "shack up with" - To live together or have a sexual relationship without being married.

Often appears as...

  • decide to shack up with
  • start to shack up with

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To temporarily stay or live with someone.

While my house is being renovated, I'll have to shack up with my brother.
Visual representation of "shack up with" - To temporarily stay or live with someone.

Often appears as...

  • temporarily shack up with
  • have to shack up with

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To live together or have a sexual relationship without being married.

I heard that Jack decided to shack up with his girlfriend.
Visual representation of "shack up with" - To live together or have a sexual relationship without being married.

Often appears as...

  • decide to shack up with
  • start to shack up with

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To temporarily stay or live with someone.

While my house is being renovated, I'll have to shack up with my brother.
Visual representation of "shack up with" - To temporarily stay or live with someone.

Often appears as...

  • temporarily shack up with
  • have to shack up with

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "shack up with"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

The phrase is casual and might be inappropriate for formal conversations.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I'd avoid saying 'shack up with' during a job interview.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Sensitive

Some people might find it offensive or too personal as it refers to cohabitation or sexual relationships.

Illustration for Potentially Sensitive
Be cautious when asking, 'Are you shacking up with someone?'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, living together outside of marriage is common; in others, it's frowned upon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
They're not worried about wedding plans; they're happy to just shack up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

The phrase is casual and might be inappropriate for formal conversations.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I'd avoid saying 'shack up with' during a job interview.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Sensitive

Some people might find it offensive or too personal as it refers to cohabitation or sexual relationships.

Illustration for Potentially Sensitive
Be cautious when asking, 'Are you shacking up with someone?'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, living together outside of marriage is common; in others, it's frowned upon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
They're not worried about wedding plans; they're happy to just shack up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

The phrase is casual and might be inappropriate for formal conversations.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I'd avoid saying 'shack up with' during a job interview.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Sensitive

Some people might find it offensive or too personal as it refers to cohabitation or sexual relationships.

Illustration for Potentially Sensitive
Be cautious when asking, 'Are you shacking up with someone?'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, living together outside of marriage is common; in others, it's frowned upon.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
They're not worried about wedding plans; they're happy to just shack up.
Visual representation of the word "Shack up with"

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