The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

hijinks

noun

/ˈhaɪˌdʒɪŋks/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hijinks

Boisterous and playful behavior, often involving practical jokes, pranks, and other forms of mischief.
"The party was full of hijinks, with people dancing on tables and throwing confetti."

Detailed meaning of hijinks

It is a term that suggests a sense of lighthearted fun and mischievousness, and is often associated with youthful energy and exuberance. Hijinks can take many forms, such as playfully teasing a friend, staging a fake food fight, or organizing an impromptu dance party. It is often seen as a way of breaking free from the constraints of social norms and expectations, allowing people to express themselves in playful and creative ways. The word hijinks has a playful, humorous connotation and is often used to describe a sense of fun and frivolity that is not meant to be taken too seriously.

Example sentences containing hijinks

1. The party was filled with wild hijinks and laughter until the early hours.
2. Their summer vacation was a blur of adventure and hijinks.
3. The movie's plot revolved around the hilarious hijinks of a misfit group.
4. The kids' playful hijinks in the backyard kept their parents entertained.
5. The office holiday party was notorious for its hijinks and pranks.
6. The school talent show featured a mix of talent and comedic hijinks.

History and etymology of hijinks

The noun 'hijinks' has its origins in Scottish and Northern English dialects. It is believed to have evolved from the term 'high jinks,' which was in use as early as the 17th century. 'High jinks' referred to boisterous and rowdy behavior, often associated with drinking and revelry. The word 'high' in this context means exuberant or spirited, while 'jinks' is thought to have been influenced by the word 'jink,' meaning a sudden or agile movement, and 'jynx,' a Scottish word for a spell or charm. Over time, 'high jinks' became 'hijinks,' and the term came to describe playful and mischievous behavior, particularly practical jokes, pranks, and other forms of spirited amusement.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun hijinks:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of hijinks

1. The sitcom's humor relied heavily on the absurd hijinks of its characters.
2. Their road trip was a whirlwind of hijinks and unexpected encounters.
3. The comedy troupe was known for their outrageous hijinks on stage.
4. The class clown's hijinks often landed him in the principal's office.
5. The circus was a spectacle of acrobatics and clownish hijinks.
6. The circus performers delighted the audience with their daring hijinks.
7. The film's plot was a series of misadventures and hijinks.
8. The play's second act was filled with comedic hijinks and mistaken identities.
9. The sitcom's episodes were a parade of comedic hijinks and mishaps.
10. The party's hijinks included a dance-off and a pie-eating contest.
11. The carnival was a place of laughter, excitement, and daring hijinks.
12. The comedy show's slapstick hijinks had the audience in stitches.
13. The summer camp was a hub of youthful hijinks and pranks.
14. The frat house was legendary for its rowdy hijinks and parties.
15. The slapstick hijinks of the clowns brought joy to the children.
16. The family reunion was filled with reminiscing and youthful hijinks.
17. The sitcom's characters were constantly embroiled in zany hijinks.
18. The plot of the comedy movie was a rollercoaster of hijinks and chaos.
19. Their friendship was built on a foundation of shared hijinks and laughter.