flying jenny: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (Rare/Regional/Historical)Informal, Historical, Regional (chiefly UK)
Quick answer
What does “flying jenny” mean?
A children's playground ride consisting of a circular platform, often rotated by a central pole, on which children sit or stand while it spins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A children's playground ride consisting of a circular platform, often rotated by a central pole, on which children sit or stand while it spins.
The term can also refer to a type of early merry-go-round powered manually, historically a simple amusement ride. In a broader, regional or dialectal sense, it may sometimes be used for other spinning or whirligig toys.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'flying jenny' is a recognized, though dated, term for a specific type of simple merry-go-round. In American English, the term is essentially unknown; the generic 'merry-go-round' or 'carousel' is used.
Connotations
In UK: nostalgic, simple, possibly rural or old-fashioned playground equipment. In US: The term carries no specific connotation as it is not part of the active lexicon.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern UK English, occasionally encountered in historical texts or recollections. Virtually non-existent in modern American English.
Grammar
How to Use “flying jenny” in a Sentence
The [children] played on the [flying jenny].They [spun/pushed] the [flying jenny].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying jenny” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The older children would often fly the jenny for the little ones.
- We used to spend hours jenny-flying in the park.
American English
- [Not applicable]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- The flying-jenny ride was the centrepiece of the fete.
- He had a flying jenny model from his childhood.
American English
- [Not applicable]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Potentially in historical studies of playgrounds, toys, or amusement devices.
Everyday
Rarely used; might appear in nostalgic conversation among older UK speakers.
Technical
In historical descriptions of fairground or playground apparatus.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying jenny”
- Using it in modern American English contexts.
- Confusing it with a 'zip line' or 'flying fox' (a different playground apparatus).
- Spelling as 'flying Jenny' (capitalization not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a simpler, often manually operated precursor, typically without elaborate animal figures or a motor.
It is not recommended, as the term is largely unknown. Use 'merry-go-round' or 'playground spinner' instead.
The etymology is unclear. 'Jenny' was a common name, sometimes used generically for devices (like 'spinning jenny'), possibly transferred to this spinning ride.
It is considered very dated or regional. Most younger British speakers would say 'roundabout' or 'merry-go-round'.
A children's playground ride consisting of a circular platform, often rotated by a central pole, on which children sit or stand while it spins.
Flying jenny is usually informal, historical, regional (chiefly uk) in register.
Flying jenny: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈdʒɛn.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈdʒɛn.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly associated with this rare term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Jenny' (a familiar female name) that 'flies' in a circle, like a simple old-fashioned spinning ride.
Conceptual Metaphor
CIRCULAR MOTION IS FLIGHT; A SIMPLE DEVICE IS A PERSON (Jenny).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'flying jenny' most likely to be understood in a historical context?