high jinks

Or hi·jinks

[hahy-jingks]

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

high jinks

/ ˈhaɪˌdʒɪŋks /

noun

1. lively enjoyment

Word History and Origins

Origin of high jinks¹

First recorded in 1760–70; jink

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

In Sloane Crosley’s second novel, ‘Cult Classic,’ a woman on the verge of engagement finds herself running into ex after ex; delightful high jinks ensue.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Still, it’s a bit surreal to hear the announcers obsess over Sonny’s high jinks in the back of the pack while ignoring the winners.

From Los Angeles Times

McDonald is game for the high jinks but doesn’t always seem natural gamboling about the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

The evening was a test for comedy, decorum, free speech and what kind of comedic high jinks the new Trump-appointed administration of the Washington center would tolerate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antic 
• horseplay 
• prank