shack up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To move in and live with someone you are in a relationship with, without being married.
Literal meaning: To set up a shack (a small, rough dwelling) — implying a temporary or makeshift living arrangement.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To begin living with a romantic partner without being married.
"After dating for two years, they decided to shack up together in a flat near the park."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To stay temporarily in a place, often one that is basic or not your own.
"While the building work was being done, he shacked up with a friend across town."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can carry a mildly disapproving or humorous tone, depending on the speaker's generation and attitudes. In some older or more conservative usage it implies moral judgment. Today it is often used neutrally or humorously. 'Shack up with someone' is the typical form.
Commonly used with
partner girlfriend boyfriend together temporarily somewhere
Forms
Base
shack up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shacks up
he/she/it
Past simple
shacked up
yesterday
Past participle
shacked up
have + pp
-ing form
shacking up
continuous
Understand "shack up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "shack up" on Looplines