can mean rough tobacco, or else amateur beach-style dancing in the US. But in the main UK sense, as noun or verb, is an alternative to "fuck" ... but with a slight, important difference of effect. To some ears, "fuck" (like "bang") can sound like an aggressive act, and/or violent
conquest, whereas "
shag" (a
softer sound) sounds more like an enjoyable fun activity. "
Shag" is still often the preferred term among women who are very keen on "
shagging", very much enjoy shagging men (and/or women) and getting
shagged themselves. But don't so much want to get "fucked" (though if talking about another woman, especially a rival, it may well be a different story!). (Note also: "fucking" can also suggest "
meddling" or "cheating", "fucked" is also associated with "broken" or "finished", "had it" - "shagged" is used simply to mean "very tired" .... one more reason for the preference by some people for "shag" over "fuck"!)
Tracy to Sharon at a party: "Don't know about you ge-ww, but I need
a good stiff shag right away".
Sharon: Yeah, so do I, but steer clear of that Darren, Trace, he just fucks ge-wws an' leaves 'em on their arses!
Tracy (eyes lighting up): Oh yeah? Which one's him then,
Shazz?
Sharon (laughs out loud): Come on ge-ww, surely even
YOU can do better than DARREN, ya randy little slag?!!!
