high jinks

American  

[hahy-jingks] / ˈhaɪˌdʒɪŋks /

Or hijinks

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. boisterous celebration or merrymaking; unrestrained fun.

   The city is full of conventioneers indulging in their usual high jinks.

   Synonyms:

   horseplay

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high jinks British  

/ ˈhaɪˌdʒɪŋks /

noun

1. lively enjoyment

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high jinks Idioms  

1. Playful or rowdy activity, often involving mischievous pranks. For example, All sorts of high jinks go on at summer camp after “lights out.” About 1700 this term denoted a gambling game accompanied by much drinking, but by the mid-1800s it acquired its present meaning.

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Etymology

Origin of high jinks

First recorded in 1760–70; see origin at jink

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

high jinks

For the final installment of the group’s high jinks, much of the original cast of the slapstick series returns, including Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Wee Man, Preston Lacy, Dave England and Ehren McGhehey.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026

I loved watching Van Dyke’s character, Rob Petrie, manage high jinks at work and home.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 2, 2026

Certainly the high jinks have caught the attention of those in Australia, who have put the sandpaper down long enough to have their say on England's morals.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2025

“Ain’t Got No Home,” which reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, became Henry’s signature hit and definitively captured his humor and his vocal high jinks.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 12, 2024

He cracked himself up, though I wasn’t sure whether it was Calvin’s high jinks or my own making him so goofy.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• antic
• horseplay
• prank