Jimmied: meaning, definitions and examples
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jimmied
[ ˈdʒɪm.i ]
informal usage
To 'jimmy' something often refers to the act of using a crowbar or similar tool to force something open, typically a door or a window, without its key or lock. This action is frequently associated with burglary or illegal entry.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He jimmied the window to get inside.
- The burglar jimmied the lock to enter the house.
- They had to jimmy the door open after losing the key.
Translations
Translations of the word "jimmied" in other languages:
🇵🇹 forçado
🇮🇳 जिम्मी किया हुआ
🇩🇪 aufgebrochen
🇮🇩 dijemput
🇺🇦 вимушений
🇵🇱 włamany
🇯🇵 強引にされた
🇫🇷 forcé
🇪🇸 forzado
🇹🇷 zorla sokulmuş
🇰🇷 억지로 밀어넣다
🇸🇦 مُجبر
🇨🇿 násilně
🇸🇰 násilne
🇨🇳 被迫的
🇸🇮 prisiljen
🇮🇸 þvingað
🇰🇿 күшпен
🇬🇪 დაიძრა
🇦🇿 məcbur
🇲🇽 forzado
Etymology
The term 'jimmy' as a verb dates back to the 19th century and is derived from the use of the word 'jimmy', a slang term referring to a crowbar or other tool used to pry something open. The exact origins are somewhat unclear, but some suggest it may have been derived from the name 'James', as 'Jim' is commonly associated with that name. In criminal slang, to 'jimmy' has long been associated with breaking and entering, implying a quick and often stealthy action. The usage of the word escalated during the late 1800s alongside the rise in urban crime and burglaries, particularly in rapidly industrializing cities where individuals sought to unlawfully access properties. Over time, 'jimmy' became entrenched in colloquial language associated with illicit activities.