Shack up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈʃæk/ /ˈəp

SHAK-uhp

UK

ʃˈæk/ /ˈʌp

SHAK-up

Definition

To live together with someone you are in a romantic relationship with, usually without being married. This expression is informal.

Usage & Nuances

Always informal, sometimes has a playful or mildly judgmental tone. Commonly used for couples living together outside marriage. Avoid in formal contexts; use 'live together' for more neutral tone. Can refer to both temporary and long-term arrangements.

• Spanish: irse a vivir juntos - convivir (pareja, informal)
• Portuguese (BR): morar junto - morar junto sem casar (informal)
• Portuguese (PT): viver junto - coabitar (informal, casal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 同居（非婚，口语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 同居（非婚，口語）
• Hindi: साथ रहना (बिना शादी, अनौपचारिक)
• Arabic: العيش معًا (بدون زواج، عامية)
• Bengali: একসঙ্গে থাকা (অবিবাহিত দম্পতি) - সহবাস করা
• Russian: жить вместе (без брака) - сожительствовать
• Japanese: 同棲する
• Vietnamese: sống chung (không kết hôn) - ở với nhau
• Korean: 동거하다
• Turkish: birlikte yaşamak (evlenmeden) - aynı evde kalmak
• Urdu: ساتھ رہنا (بغیر شادی کے) - بغیر نکاح کے ساتھ رہنا
• Indonesian: tinggal bersama (tanpa menikah) - kumpul kebo

Example Sentences

They decided to shack up after dating for a year.

basic

Is it common for students to shack up during college?

basic

My parents don't approve of us shacking up.

basic

After losing his job, he had to shack up with a friend for a while.

natural

You can't just shack up with anyone you meet online!

natural

They've been shacking up for years but have no plans to get married.

natural