Definition

Noun: - Noisy and mischievous merrymaking; boisterous fun: "High jinks" refers to lively, playful, and often rowdy behavior, typically involving pranks, jokes, or exuberant activities in a group setting.

Usage

"High jinks" is used as a plural noun to describe a situation or period of time filled with loud, energetic, and playful mischief. It often implies harmless fun, though it can be disruptive. It is commonly used in informal contexts.

Examples

• The dormitory was known for its late-night high jinks.
• After the exams, the students engaged in some celebratory high jinks downtown.
• The office party descended into harmless high jinks once the manager left.

Advanced Usage

• "To be up to high jinks": To be engaged in or planning mischievous, boisterous activities.
  • I could hear laughter from the basement; the kids are definitely up to some high jinks.

Variants and Related Words

• Hijinks: This is a common alternative spelling of "high jinks." The meaning is identical.
  • The movie is about the comic hijinks of a group of friends on a road trip.

Synonyms

• Shenanigans: Secret or dishonest activity, or mischievous behavior.
• Tomfoolery: Foolish or silly behavior.
• Skylarking: Lively, fun-loving behavior or playful antics.
• Horseplay: Rough, boisterous play.

Related Idioms

• "Cutting up": Behaving in a silly, noisy, or mischievous way.
  • The class was cutting up until the teacher walked in.
• "Raising Cain": Causing a disturbance or engaging in noisy, disruptive behavior.
  • The fans were raising Cain after their team won the championship.

Noun

1. noisy and mischievous merrymaking