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Definition of hijinks

hijinks

/ˈhaɪ.dʒɪŋks/
(UK: high jinks)
hi · jinks
Plural:hijinks
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hijinks Lexical Profile

hijinks Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Noisy, boisterous, or mischievous fun, antics, and playful pranks.

Example

"The summer camp counselors kept a close watch on the cabins to prevent any late-night hijinks."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hijinks

Word Nuance & Usage

"Hijinks" is a pluralia tantum noun (having no singular form) and can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the antics are viewed as a collective state or individual acts; it is also commonly spelled "high jinks" or "high-jinks."

• Nearby Words

hijacker
hijacking
hijiki
hijinks
hike
hiker
hiking

Word Origin & Etymology

An informal phoneticrespelling of "high jinks," which originated in late 17th-century Scotland as the name of a lively parlor and drinking game involving dice and forfeits. "Jink" itself comes from the Scots verb "jink," meaning to move nimbly or dodge.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hijinks. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hijinks
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