jimmy English · revision 5270

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=eponym|attested=1848|origins=en Jemmy}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈdʒɪm.i/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a variant of [[jemmy]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) a burglar's crowbar (1811), apparently a special use of Jemmy or Jimmy, pet forms of the name [[James]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998) as with the mechanical uses of [[jack]].^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A short crowbar, especially a burglar's: 1848, as jimmey.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The OED calls it a dialect and colloquial pronunciation of jemmy, occurring chiefly in America.^(OED 1989) The verb, to pry open with a jimmy, is from 1893.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024) The name also gave rhyming slang such as ''Jimmy Grant'' “immigrant” (1845) in Australia and New Zealand, and naval slang ''Jimmy the One'', a first lieutenant (1916).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1811 – jemmy, a crowbar.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1848 – jimmy.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1893 – verb, to pry open.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A short [[crowbar]] with curved ends, used especially by burglars.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To force open with a jimmy: ''jimmy a lock''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[jemmy]]

+ * [[jack]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}