high jinks

or hi·jinks

[ hahy-jingks ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. boisterous celebration or merrymaking; unrestrained fun:

   The city is full of conventioneers indulging in their usual high jinks.

   Synonyms: horseplay

high jinks

/ ˈhaɪˌdʒɪŋks /

noun

1. lively enjoyment

Word History and Origins

Origin of high jinks¹

First recorded in 1760–70; jink

Idioms and Phrases

Playful or rowdy activity, often involving mischievous pranks. For example, All sorts of high jinks go on at summer camp after “lights out.” About 1700 this term denoted a gambling game accompanied by much drinking, but by the mid-1800s it acquired its present meaning.

Related Words

• antic
• horseplay
• prank