shrug n : a gesture involving the shoulders v : raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation [also: shrugging, shrugged]

Shrug \Shrug\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shrugged; p. pr. & vb. n. Shrugging.] [Probably akin to shrink, p. p. shrunk; cf. Dan. skrugge, skrukke, to stoop, dial. Sw. skrukka, skruga, to crouch.] To draw up or contract (the shoulders), especially by way of expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like. He shrugs his shoulders when you talk of securities. --Addison.

Shrug \Shrug\, v. i. To raise or draw up the shoulders, as in expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like. They grin, they shrug. They bow, they snarl, they snatch, they hug. --Swift.

Shrug \Shrug\, n. A drawing up of the shoulders, -- a motion usually expressing dislike, dread, or doubt. The Spaniards talk in dialogues Of heads and shoulders, nods and shrugs. --Hudibras.

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A shrug is a form of nonverbal communication that is performed by lifting both shoulders up, and is an indication of an individual either not knowing an answer to a question, or not caring about a result. It can also be used when someone is simply ignoring the person's question. It may be accentuated with raised eyebrows and/or an exaggerated frown. It is very common in American culture, rather than saying "I don't know", they would simply perform a shrug. In the English-speaking world it may be accompanied by a three syllable grunt or hummed mumble mimicking the intonation of "I dunno". The shrug is relatively absent from Eastern culture.

This gesture is often accompanied by raised palms, as shown in the illustration.

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