jimjams

[ jim-jamz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. extreme nervousness; jitters.
2. delirium tremens.

jimjams

/ ˈdʒɪmˌdʒæmz /

plural noun

1. a slang word for delirium tremens
2. a state of nervous tension, excitement, or anxiety
3. informal.
   pyjamas

Word History and Origins

Origin of jimjams¹

1540–50; gradational compound based on jam ¹. flimflam, jingle-jangle, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jimjams¹

C19: whimsical formation based on jam ¹

Example Sentences

One of the characters could be loud and highly irritated that, after all the hyperventilation and rending of cloth that preceded the final episodes of "The Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," the arguably more revolutionary "Key & Peele" is just going to end, boom boom on da jimjams, with little or no fanfare.

From Los Angeles Times

The only problem is that even the most skilful among them are only ever five degrees and a pair of jimjams away from looking like they're dancing to I Will Survive in their bedrooms.

From The Guardian

It was as if someone had said: "If you get into your jimjams and brush your teeth, you can stay up late to sing for the Queen," said my colleague Tim, who was reduced to tears by that moment in 's opening ceremony.

From The Guardian

But in the play you almost have a set of love jimjams on account of that woman, and let her reform you, and all that sort of thing.

From Project Gutenberg

For one thing, Pinto, no cop goes into hysterics at sight of a dead body unless his conscience is giving him the jimjams.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• goose flesh
• goose pimples
• gooseflesh
• horripilation