A mess or chaotic situation; something poorly organized
Shambles
Example Sentences
"The whole event was a shambles."
"My room is an absolute shambles."
Etymology & History
From Old English "scamol" (stool or table). Originally meant a meat market or slaughterhouse (from the butcher's tables). Evolved to mean a mess by the early 20th century.
Word Details
📍
Region
General British
📅
Era
Modern
✓
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Informal
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
📚 Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!