highjinks

The children engaged in highjinks at the birthday party.

Definition

1. Noun (plural in form but used with singular or plural verb):
   • Boisterous or mischievous fun: "highjinks" refers to lively, playful, and often rowdy activities, typically involving practical jokes, pranks, or exuberant behavior.

Usage Examples

• (Boisterous, playful mischief.)
• (Rowdy or disruptive fun.)

Advanced Usage

• "to engage in highjinks": to participate in lively, playful, or mischievous activities.

  • The children engaged in highjinks in the backyard, chasing each other and laughing loudly. (They were having boisterous fun.)

• "a night of highjinks": an evening characterized by playful, often unruly behavior.

  • After the exam, the students planned a night of highjinks to celebrate. (An evening of energetic, mischievous fun.)

Variants and Related Words

• High jinks (alternate spelling): the same meaning, often written as two words.

  • The annual carnival is known for its high jinks and carnival games. (Lively, playful activities.)

• Jinks (n, informal): playful or mischievous behavior; a shortened form.

  • The kids were full of jinks after the sugar rush. (Playful, energetic mischief.)

Synonyms

• Hijinks: a common variant spelling of "highjinks."
• Frolic: lighthearted, playful activity.
• Mischief: playful misbehavior or trouble-making.
• Pranks: practical jokes or playful tricks.

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "cut up" (informal): to behave in a playful or mischievous way.

  • The comedians cut up on stage, engaging in highjinks that had the audience in stitches. (They performed playful, rowdy acts.)

• "horseplay": rough, boisterous play.

  • The teacher warned the students to stop the horseplay, as it was a form of highjinks that could lead to injuries. (Rough, playful behavior.)

Note: "Highjinks" is typically used in informal or humorous contexts to describe harmless but lively fun, often with a hint of rebelliousness.