Jimmy

The word “Jimmy” means to force open, especially a lock or window, using a crowbar or similar tool. In plain terms, usually means to pry something open by force, or the crowbar-like tool used to do it; in some US regions it also means sprinkles.

“Jimmy” is pronounced JIH-mee (/ˈd͡ʒɪmi/ in IPA).

Here is “Jimmy” used in a sentence: “He carried a small jimmy in his tool bag for emergencies.”

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

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

“Jimmy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to force open, especially a lock or window, using a crowbar or similar tool.

Jimmying means forcing something open with a tool such as a crowbar or bar, using leverage and brute force — often damaging the lock, door or window. Picking a lock means quietly manipulating the internal mechanism with slim tools so it opens without force or damage. One breaks in, the other finesses.

It comes from 'jemmy,' an old British slang name for a burglar's short crowbar, which is itself a pet form of the name James. Over time the name of the tool became a verb for the action it performs, so to jimmy something is literally to open it with a jemmy.

It is informal and slightly colloquial, common in everyday speech, crime reporting and fiction rather than formal or legal writing. A police report might instead say a lock was 'forced' or 'pried open.' In casual use, though, 'jimmy the lock' is instantly understood and carries a hint of break-in drama.

You might read, 'The burglar jimmied the back window and climbed inside,' or 'She jimmied the jammed drawer open with a screwdriver.' The verb suggests forcing something that is locked or stuck, using a tool and leverage rather than a key or the proper handle.