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

Comely young couple moves into new house; high jinks of horror ensue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

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

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

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