jack in
C1/C2 - Low frequency, informal/slangInformal, slang. Common in spoken English, particularly among younger speakers or in contexts describing abandoning creative/tech projects.
Definition
Meaning
To stop doing something, especially abruptly or permanently; to quit or abandon an activity, job, or pursuit.
In computing slang, it can mean to log into or connect to a system or network (from "to jack into"), though this is less common than the 'quit' meaning. The primary modern sense is to give up on something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a connotation of frustration, disillusionment, or a decisive final act. Implies a more active, sometimes rebellious choice than simply 'quit' or 'stop'. Can be used transitively ("jack in a job") or intransitively ("I'm going to jack in").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'quit/abandon' meaning is primarily British. In American English, it is very rare and likely to be misunderstood. Americans would use 'quit', 'pack in', 'give up', or 'bail on'.
Connotations
In British English, it can sound casual, blunt, or slightly rebellious. Not typically used in formal contexts.
Frequency
Moderately common in UK informal speech; extremely rare in US English outside of communities familiar with UK media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] jack in [Object (Noun Phrase)][Subject] jack it inVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Jack it all in" (to quit everything and make a radical life change)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. If used, implies an informal, sudden resignation: "He just jacked in his job without notice."
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common for discussing quitting hobbies, diets, courses, or jobs in UK informal conversation.
Technical
In computing subculture, the related phrase "jack into" (to connect to a network) might be encountered, but "jack in" alone is not technical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After the terrible review, she decided to jack in the acting career.
- I'm going to jack in this diet; it's not working.
- He jacked in his apprenticeship to travel.
American English
- (Rare, likely only in influenced contexts) He talked about jacking in the whole startup scene. (US speaker using UK slang)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He jacked in his job at the factory.
- I think I'll jack in the Spanish classes.
- Faced with the constant pressure, she finally jacked in her medical degree.
- They jacked in the plan to renovate the old pub.
- After a decade in the city, he jacked it all in and bought a smallholding in Scotland.
- The lead developer jacked in the project, leaving the codebase in a precarious state.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car jack: you use it to lift a car so you can change a tyre and then STOP driving. To JACK IN is to STOP an activity.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUITTING IS DISCONNECTING (from a circuit or system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the name 'Jack'. It is a phrasal verb.
- Do not translate literally. The Russian equivalent would be 'завязать (с чем-либо)', 'бросить', 'кинуть' in slang.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American English where it is not understood.
- Incorrect word order: 'jack in it' instead of the correct pronoun form 'jack it in'.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the phrasal verb 'jack in' (meaning to quit) most commonly used and understood?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strictly informal and considered slang.
It is not recommended. Most Americans will not understand this meaning. Use 'quit', 'give up on', or 'leave' instead.
'Jack in' is more abrupt, decisive, and often implies the activity was burdensome or disappointing. 'Give up' can be more general and sometimes implies a lack of success or perseverance.
The pronoun must go between the verb and the particle: 'jack it in', 'jack them in'. You cannot say 'jack in it'.