jim-jams

Definition
  1. Noun (plural):
    • Delirium tremens (slang): "jim-jams" is a slang term referring to the severe physical and mental effects of alcohol withdrawal, characterized by tremors, hallucinations, and agitation.
    • Nervousness or jitters (informal, especially US): "jim-jams" can also mean a state of extreme nervousness, anxiety, or unease, similar to "the jitters."
Usage Examples
  • (He experienced alcohol withdrawal symptoms.)
  • (I feel extremely nervous before an important test.)
  • (The noise made me feel anxious or jumpy.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to have the jim-jams": to be in a state of nervous agitation or to suffer from delirium tremens.

    • She had the jim-jams after the car accident and couldn't sit still. (She was extremely anxious and restless.)

  • "the jim-jams" (as a fixed phrase): often used with the definite article "the" to indicate a specific condition or feeling.

    • This haunted house gives me the jim-jams. (This haunted house makes me feel uneasy and frightened.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Jim-jams (alternative spelling): sometimes written with a hyphen or as a single word, "jimjams," but the plural form is standard.
  • Jitter (n): a state of nervousness; "jim-jams" is considered a synonym for "jitters" in informal US English.
    • He had the jitters before his speech. (He was nervous.)
Synonyms
  • Delirium tremens (DTs): a medical term for severe alcohol withdrawal.
  • Jitters: a feeling of nervousness or anxiety.
  • Willies: an informal term for a feeling of fear or unease.
  • Heebie-jeebies: a slang term for a feeling of anxiety or horror.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly. "Jim-jams" is a noun phrase and does not form phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms

  • Give someone the jim-jams: to cause someone to feel extremely nervous or frightened.

    • The old, creaky house gave me the jim-jams. (The house made me feel scared and uneasy.)

  • Have the jim-jams: to be in a state of nervous agitation or to suffer from alcohol withdrawal.

    • He's had the jim-jams ever since he quit drinking. (He has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms or anxiety.)