Jim

The word “Jim” means to pry or force something open, or to tamper with it clumsily (a casual variant of "jimmy"). In plain terms, as a verb, forcing something open; as slang, a one-pound note.

“Jim” is pronounced jihm (/d͡ʒɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “Jim” used in a sentence: “He jimmed the window latch with a screwdriver.”

Depending on how it is used, “Jim” can be a verb and a noun.

“Jim” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Jim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pry or force something open, or to tamper with it clumsily (a casual variant of "jimmy").

They mean the same thing — to pry or force something open, often a lock, door, or window. Jimmy is the standard form, both as a verb and as the name of the crowbar-like tool used. Jim is a casual, clipped variant heard in speech. In writing, jimmy is far more common.

To jim a lock is to force it open with a tool or improvised lever rather than a key, or to tamper with it clumsily. It suggests prying, wedging, or wrenching the mechanism until it gives. The word carries a rough, makeshift sense, as opposed to skilled, careful lock-picking.

No. Jim in this sense is informal and colloquial, a spoken variant of jimmy. It is fine in casual conversation but out of place in formal or technical writing, where prise open, force open, or jimmy would be preferred. Note that it is unrelated to the personal name Jim.