shanks' mare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Humorous, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “shanks' mare” mean?
One's own legs as a means of transport.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One's own legs as a means of transport; walking.
A humorous or old-fashioned reference to traveling by foot when no other transport is available, emphasizing the humble or basic nature of walking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Shanks's mare' is the standard form. 'Shanks' pony' is a very common British variant, less so in American English.
Connotations
In both, it carries a slightly old-fashioned, rustic, or whimsical tone, often with a hint of resignation or making light of a situation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more recognized in British English, possibly due to the prevalence of the 'pony' variant.
Grammar
How to Use “shanks' mare” in a Sentence
GO (VERB) by/on/upon/with shanks's mareTAKE shanks's mareRELY ON shanks's mareVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shanks' mare” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll have to shanks's pony it if the bus doesn't come.
American English
- I guess we're shanks's mairing it to the pub.
adverb
British English
- They arrived shanks's pony, having missed the last train.
American English
- (Adverbial use is exceptionally rare and non-standard in American English.)
adjective
British English
- It was a shanks's pony affair, the car park being miles away.
American English
- (Adjectival use is exceptionally rare and non-standard in American English.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used very rarely, humorously among older speakers or in storytelling.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shanks' mare”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shanks' mare”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shanks' mare”
- Using 'shank's mare' without the possessive 's', confusing it with a proper noun or place.
- Using it in a formal context.
- Incorrect: 'I came by shank horse.' Correct: 'I came by shanks's mare.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are found, but 'shanks's mare' (with the possessive 's') is considered the more standard written form, as 'shanks' is a singular noun (meaning shins).
There is no difference in meaning. 'Shanks's pony' is a very common, perhaps more frequent, British variant. 'Shanks's mare' is the original and more standard term.
No, it is far too informal, old-fashioned, and colloquial for business correspondence. Use 'on foot' or 'walking' instead.
'Shanks' is an old Scots and Northern English word for the lower part of the leg, from the shin bone (tibia). It's related to the modern word 'shin'.
One's own legs as a means of transport.
Shanks' mare is usually informal, humorous, archaic in register.
Shanks' mare: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃæŋksɪz ˈmeə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃæŋksɪz ˈmɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shanks's pony”
- “Go on shanks's pony”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Scottish shepherd named SHANKS who had no horse, so his only MARE (female horse) was his own long legs (shins/shanks).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A VEHICLE / LEGS ARE HORSES
Practice
Quiz
What does 'shanks's mare' humorously refer to?