Is shuck formal or informal?

It is mostly neutral, but it is more common in cooking and farming than in formal writing.

Can I use shuck for fruit?

Usually no. People more often say peel for fruit like oranges or bananas.

What is the difference between shuck and shell?

Shuck is often used for removing an outer covering from food. Shell is broader and can mean removing or having a shell.

← Dictionary

shuck

/ʃʌk/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To remove the outer covering from corn, peas, oysters, or similar food. It can also mean to strip off a shell or husk.

She shucked the corn before dinner.
He shucked the oysters quickly.

noun

The outer covering, shell, or husk removed from something. It is often used in farming or cooking.

Corn shucks covered the floor.
Throw the shucks into the bin.

Adinary Nuance

Shuck is more specific than peel or shell. Use shuck for corn, oysters, peas, or similar foods with an outer covering. It sounds natural in cooking, farming, and American English, but less common in everyday British English.

In other languages

Vietnamese: tách vỏ
Spanish: descascarar
Chinese: 剥壳
Japanese: 殻をむく
Korean: 껍질을 벗기다

Etymology

Shuck came into English from Dutch in the 1600s, from a word meaning a shell or husk. Its food-related meaning became common in American English.

Common phrases

shuck cornshuck oystersthe shuckscorn shucks

Synonyms

shell husk peel strip

Related words

peel husk shell corn oyster

Frequently asked questions

Is shuck formal or informal?: It is mostly neutral, but it is more common in cooking and farming than in formal writing.
Can I use shuck for fruit?: Usually no. People more often say peel for fruit like oranges or bananas.
What is the difference between shuck and shell?: Shuck is often used for removing an outer covering from food. Shell is broader and can mean removing or having a shell.