DCHP-1 Online

shebang [perhaps < Cdn F cabane < F "hut"] Slang

• 1 n. a low drinking establishment frequented by the loggers and rivermen of Lower and Upper Canada.

  See also: bush tavern  caboose (def. 6b)  shanty ((n.)) (see note)  

  • Although this term is usually assumed to derive from Cdn F cabane, it seems possible, in view of the Canadian sense, that Irish shebeen of similar meaning was the source, especially since Irishmen were prominent among the shantymen with whom the term is associated. Cp. note at shanty.

• 2 † n. the whole shebang, the entire lot; everything; all the things involved.

  • Here, too, the Newfoundland context of the early quote suggests possible Irish influence.