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

A lot of time-travel high jinks follow, familiar in their broad outlines but unconventional and highly entertaining in their specifics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 12, 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

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 ● Jun. 26, 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

“Well, Lance,” said Arthur cheerfully, “these are some high jinks, and no mistake about it Jenny can hardly sit still, with all her captives.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• antic
• horseplay
• prank