Shinnies can refer to a variety of activities, from a game played with sticks and stones to a way of climbing a pole or tree without the use of a ladder. Synonyms for shinnies include shinny, shinty, hockey, jungle gym, and pole climbing. Each synonym carries with it a slightly different connotation, from the competitive nature of hockey to the playful and adventurous spirit of jungle gym and pole climbing. No matter the word used to describe it, the act of shinning up a tree or pole is a timeless form of physical activity and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.