jimmy

Everyday

1. (a name) Jimmy is a short, friendly form of the name James. tree →
2. (USA) A short metal bar with a flat end, used to force open doors or windows; in the UK it is called a «jemmy». tree →
3. To jimmy a door or window means to force it open with a bar or tool. tree →
4. (Scotland, informal) «Jimmy» is a friendly or cheeky way to call a man you do not know. tree →
5. (USA) «Jimmies» are tiny coloured sugar sprinkles on ice cream. tree →

In the lessons

In crime stories a burglar jimmies a window, so the word tells the reader something is being broken into. At home you might jimmy open a stuck lid. In Scotland you may hear «Hey, Jimmy!» to any man. In New England, ice cream comes «with jimmies».

Examples

• My cousin Jimmy is coming for tea. tree →
• The burglar used a jimmy to force the back door. tree →
• Dad jimmied open the paint tin with a screwdriver. tree →
• The window had been jimmied in the night. tree →
• (Scotland, informal) «Mind your step there, Jimmy!» tree →
• (USA) I'd like a vanilla cone with chocolate jimmies, please. tree →

Note

Capital J for the name. UK spelling of the bar is «jemmy». Past: jimmied; -ing form: jimmying. Forcing a lock that is not yours is a crime.