Shrug/ʃrʌɡ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Non-committal Shrug as a verb often suggests a lack of commitment or certainty. When asked about her plans, she would just shrug. Pro Tip 2/3Indifference It may express indifference when someone doesn't have a strong opinion. They shrugged when the film ended, unimpressed. Pro Tip 3/3Impolite Dismissal Using 'shrug off' can sometimes seem impolite or dismissive. He just shrugged off my concerns as if they were nothing.