a shy fag what a shag by nick Legorrec January 12, 2009 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