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An example of shrugging.

A shrug pronounced as (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 North American culture, rather than properly 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.

[edit] See also

Shoulder shrug, a weight training exercise.
Shrug (clothing), an article of clothing.
Shrug[1], a collection of poetry by Nate Pritts
Shrugging can refer to throwing off a burden, including in the metaphorical sense, as in going on strike or as in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged
Shrug (band), a band that later became Snow Patrol

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