Pronunciation: [ʃˈɪnɪd] (IPA) 
The word "shinnied" is spelled with the letter combination "nn" in the middle, which can be misleading for some English speakers. The correct pronunciation is /ˈʃɪniːd/, with the stress on the first syllable and a long "i" sound. The word is a past tense verb referring to the act of climbing up or down a rope or pole, often used in games or competitions. It can also be spelled as "shinned", using a more common double consonant spelling.
Shinnied is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "shinny." This term primarily refers to a popular informal hockey-like game usually played outdoors. However, it can also be used in a broader context to describe various other related activities.
In its specific sense, shinny is a game that is played with a ball, typically on a frozen surface like a pond or a street, using hockey sticks or improvised sticks, such as brooms or tree branches. The objective of the game is to strike the ball with the sticks and score goals. It is a fast-paced and often unstructured game that requires agility, teamwork, and good hand-eye coordination.
Furthermore, shinnied can be used figuratively to describe the act of moving quickly, hastily, or stealthily, resembling the swift movements seen in a game of shinny. It can suggest a sense of urgency or a need to act promptly and efficiently.
Additionally, shinnied can also convey the act of climbing or scaling something using one's shins or legs, much like a skilled mountaineer ascends a sheer surface. This usage highlights the physicality and dexterity required to navigate treacherous or challenging terrain.
In conclusion, the term shinnied encompasses the past tense of playing a fast-paced informal hockey-like game, as well as figurative actions involving swift movement and agile climbing.
The word "shinnied" is derived from the noun "shinny". "Shinny" originated as a term for a popular children's game played with sticks and a ball, similar to field hockey. The game was originally known as "shinty" in Scotland.
The word "shinty" is believed to derive from the Scottish Gaelic word "seannag" or "sionnach", meaning "an old fox" or "one who sneaks about". It is thought that the name was given to the game due to the agile and quick movements required to play.
Over time, "shinty" transformed into "shinny" or "shinnie", and the verb form "shinnied" came to refer to the act of playing or participating in the game.
