noun
shebang
shih-BANG/ʃɪˈbæŋ/
The whole thing or arrangement.
The complete bicycle includes the wheels, frame, pedals, and the whole shebang.
Etymology
“The whole shebang” means the entire affair, but its connection to the earlier slang meaning “hut” or “shelter” is obscure. The word’s origin remains uncertain.
In context
They entirely rejected expensive houses, social rank, false wisdom, the whole shebang.
More examples
- She runs the whole shebang from a tiny office.
- We pack the tent, sleeping bags, and the whole shebang.
- If one part fails, the whole shebang shuts down.
Forms
shebang · shebangs
Similar words
- setup
- Emphasizes how parts are organized, rather than everything included.
- package
- Refers to a bundled set, often offered or sold together.