The Whole Shebang
The Whole Shebang
/ðə hoʊl ʃɪˈbæŋ/
Meaning: An informal way to say “the whole thing” or “everything involved in a situation”, often used when you want to emphasise the entire set, group, event, or arrangement.
Dialogue
- Ntsu: "Are we setting up just the tent or the whole campsite?"
- Leabua: "The whole shebang! Let's make it perfect for the weekend."
- Ntsu: "Okey-doke, sounds like a plan."
- Leabua: "I'll start with the grill, you handle the tent."
Etymology
The idiom “the whole shebang” derives from the noun shebang, which became common in 19th-century American English and was used to denote a place, an arrangement, or an undertaking. Its precise origin remains uncertain. One frequently suggested explanation connects it to the Irish word shebeen (from Irish síbín), meaning an illicit drinking establishment, though this etymology is disputed.
Audience
When to use: Use "the whole shebang" in informal or semi‑informal English when you want to talk about everything: the complete package, all the options, or the entire operation, often with a humorous or colourful tone. It fits well in conversation, storytelling, and casual writing, but is usually avoided in very formal contexts.
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