sherang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Obscure/Dialectal)Dialectal, Informal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “sherang” mean?
To act as the boss or leader.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To act as the boss or leader; to give orders in an authoritative, often domineering manner.
A dialectal or informal term for someone in charge, a boss, or a foreman. The term can carry a sense of impatience, abruptness, or bullying in the way authority is exercised. It is often used in Australian, New Zealand, and British regional dialects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in American English. In British English, it is a very low-frequency dialect word, most associated with Australian/NZ and northern UK dialects.
Connotations
It connotes a brusque, no-nonsense, and sometimes overbearing style of leadership. It is not a polite or respectful term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use, occasionally found in historical texts or in deliberate use to evoke a certain time/place.
Grammar
How to Use “sherang” in a Sentence
[Subject] sherangs [Object (people/group)][Subject] sherangs [Object] around/aboutVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sherang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He loved to sherang the new apprentices on his first day as foreman.
- Don't you start sheranging me about the washing up!
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
adverb
British English
- He ran the meeting rather sherangly, allowing no discussion.
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
adjective
British English
- He had a very sheranging manner that put people off.
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in modern business contexts. If used, it would be humorous or critical of a manager's style.
Academic
Only found as a lexical item in studies of dialectology or historical linguistics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in jest within families or close-knit workgroups to mean 'boss everyone around'.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sherang”
- Using it as a standard synonym for 'manager'.
- Misspelling as 'sherangue' (influenced by 'harangue').
- Assuming it is widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an obscure dialect word, not part of standard modern English. You will not find it in most general dictionaries.
No. It is far too obscure and informal. Use standard vocabulary like 'manage', 'supervise', or 'boss around' instead.
Its etymology is uncertain. It is thought to possibly derive from a Romany (Gypsy) word or be a variant of 'shepherd' influenced by other words. Reliable sources note it appeared in 19th-century Australian and British dialect use.
Yes, 'sherang' can also be a noun meaning 'the boss' or 'foreman', as in 'He's the sherang around here'.
To act as the boss or leader.
Sherang is usually dialectal, informal, archaic in register.
Sherang: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˈræŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˈræŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to play the sherang”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHERiff who is very RANGy and restless, bossing everyone in the town around.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS PHYSICAL DOMINATION (pushing, pulling, herding).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'sherang' be LEAST appropriate?