verb
Common
Jimmy
JIH-mee
Jimmy (verb) means to force open, especially a lock or window, using a crowbar or similar tool. Example: “The burglar jimmied the back door open with a screwdriver.”
verb
1
To force open, especially a lock or window, using a crowbar or similar tool.
"The burglar jimmied the back door open with a screwdriver."
"Police found marks where someone had jimmied the window frame."
noun
1
A short crowbar used by burglars to pry open doors or windows.
"He carried a small jimmy in his tool bag for emergencies."
2
Small rod-shaped sprinkles used to decorate ice cream or baked goods (mainly US regional usage).
"She topped the sundae with a generous scoop of chocolate jimmies."
How to use Jimmy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually means to pry something open by force, or the crowbar-like tool used to do it; in some US regions it also means sprinkles.
UK vs US
British English typically spells the crowbar sense "jemmy"; American English uses "jimmy."
Common pairings
jimmy the lock
jimmy a window
chocolate jimmies
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Word forms
- Plural
- Jimmys, Jimmies
- Third person singular
- jimmies
- Past tense
- jimmied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He carried a small _____ in his tool bag for emergencies.
Etymology
A variant of "jemmy," a British word for a small crowbar.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Jimmy
See all rhymes for Jimmy →Frequently asked questions
What does “Jimmy” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “Jimmy”?
“Jimmy” is pronounced JIH-mee (/ˈd͡ʒɪmi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jimmy” in a sentence?
Here is “Jimmy” used in a sentence: “He carried a small jimmy in his tool bag for emergencies.”
What part of speech is “Jimmy”?
Depending on how it is used, “Jimmy” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “Jimmy” a common word?
“Jimmy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Jimmy” have?
“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.
What is the difference between jimmying and picking a lock?
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.
Where does the word 'jimmy' come from?
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.
Is 'jimmy' formal or informal?
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.
What is an example of jimmy in a sentence?
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.
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