IPA: /ʃɪn/
KK: /ʃɪn/
To climb or move quickly up something, often using one's hands and feet.
He decided to shin up the tree to get a better view.
Past: shinned
Past Participle: shinned
The front part of the leg that is located between the knee and the ankle.
He bumped his shin against the table leg and winced in pain.
To climb something like a rope or pole by using your hands and legs together, or to hit someone in the lower part of their legs.
He shinned up the pole to reach the top.
Past: shinned
Past Participle: shinned
The word 'shin' originates from Old English 'scinn', meaning the front part of the leg below the knee. It refers specifically to this area of the leg.
Think of the Old English word 'scinn' which refers to the front part of the leg — that's why 'shin' means that part of your leg.