jackstraw
C2 / Obscure / Very RareFormal/Archaic (for person definition), Technical (game context)
Definition
Meaning
A thin strip of wood, plastic, or other material used in a game where players must remove them from a pile without disturbing the rest.
An insignificant or contemptible person; a thin, lanky person. Historically, a straw-stuffed figure representing a man.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a physical object used in a specific game (related terms: pick-up sticks, spillikins). The secondary meaning (insignificant person) is archaic and rarely used in modern English, carrying a slightly derogatory or dismissive connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, the word is extremely rare. The game is more commonly known as 'pick-up sticks' or 'spillikins' (UK) or 'jackstraws' (US, plural). The 'insignificant person' meaning is equally archaic in both.
Connotations
When used for a person, it implies physical frailty and lack of substance. No significant regional difference in connotation.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in contemporary usage in both regions. Might be encountered in historical texts or very specialized contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[play] + [a game of jackstraws][scatter] + [like jackstraws][not worth] + [a jackstraw]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not) worth a jackstraw (archaic: utterly worthless)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies discussing games or archaic language.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood by the general public.
Technical
Possible in game design or historical toy/entertainment contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children played with colourful jackstraws on the floor.
- He was so thin, his mother called him a jackstraw.
- After the explosion, the girders lay scattered like so many jackstraws across the site.
- The Victorian novelist dismissed the character as a mere jackstraw, unworthy of the reader's sympathy.
- The archaeological dig revealed a child's grave containing a set of finely carved bone jackstraws, suggesting a popular game in antiquity.
- In the harsh political satire of the 18th century, the prime minister was often depicted as a grinning jackstraw, manipulated by hidden powers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Jack' (a man) made of 'straw' — a flimsy, easily toppled figure, which connects both the game piece and the archaic insult.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESSNESS/INSTABILITY IS FLIMSY MATERIAL (like straw).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation into Russian. It is not a 'соломенное чучело' (scarecrow). For the game, use the standard term 'палочки' or 'Бирюльки' (spillikins). The person meaning has no direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern conversation expecting to be understood. Confusing it with 'jackstraws' (the game) versus 'jackstraw' (a single piece or person).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning of 'jackstraw'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare in modern English. You are most likely to encounter it in historical texts or very specific contexts.
Yes, but this usage is archaic and derogatory, meaning an insignificant or physically frail person. It is not recommended for modern use.
They refer to the same type of game piece. 'Spillikin' is the traditional British term, while 'jackstraw' is more common in historical American usage for the game 'jackstraws'.
You would typically use the plural form: 'We played a game of jackstraws.' To refer to a single piece, you could say, 'Use the hook to lift the red jackstraw.'