The term 'shells out' is a phrase used to describe the act of paying or spending money. The crossword solutions for this term are PAYS (4 letters), SPENDS (6 letters), and EXPENDS (7 letters). All three words refer to the same action, but with different levels of intensity. PAYS is the most basic form, meaning to give money in exchange for goods or services. SPENDS is slightly more intense, implying that the money is being used for something that may not be necessary. EXPENDS is the most intense form, suggesting that the money is being used for something that is not only unnecessary, but also extravagant.