shakes

Shakes is a plural noun that covers several distinct concepts linked by motion, agitation, or blending. The most familiar use is in beverages, particularly milkshakes, which are cold drinks made by blending milk with ice cream and flavorings. The term also denotes the act of shaking, as well as outcomes produced by that action, including blended mixtures.

Milkshakes originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century and have since become a staple of fast-food and diner culture. Traditional recipes use ice cream and milk; modern versions may substitute frozen yogurt or plant-based milks and include syrups, fruits, or cookies. Shakes are typically served in tall glasses with a straw and sometimes whipped cream or toppings.

In medical contexts, shakes refer to tremors, involuntary rhythmic movements of a body part. Tremors can occur at rest, with movement, or during purposeful action. Common types include essential tremor and Parkinsonian tremor, with causes ranging from neurological disorders to medications or caffeine. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and sometimes neurophysiological testing; treatment depends on the underlying cause and can include medication or therapy.

In geology, shakes describe ground motion during earthquakes. Seismic shaking results from the propagation of seismic waves and is characterized by magnitude, intensity, duration, and frequency content, which influence damage to structures and infrastructure.

Other common uses include protein shakes, beverages made from protein powder mixed with liquid for nutrition or fitness; and the general use of shake as a technique in bartending and culinary mixing, where ingredients are vigorously combined in a shaker. The term also appears in expressions such as shake off or shake up, used metaphorically to indicate change or awakening.