jigger
LowNeutral to informal, with some technical or slang usages.
Definition
Meaning
A small device or measure, often a small glass for liquor.
A tool or implement for a specific purpose (e.g., fishing tackle, golf club); to alter or tinker with; (slang) a thingamajig; to change dishonestly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Polysemous: primary senses relate to 'small measure' and 'small gadget/thing.' The verb 'to jigger' can mean 'to tinker' or 'to adjust,' but also has a dishonest connotation (e.g., tampering).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a unit of measure, 'jigger' (1.5 oz) is a standard bartending term in the US; less common in UK. UK also uses 'jigger' for the small glass itself. The verb sense 'to alter' is more common in US.
Connotations
In both, it can be neutral (tool) or slightly negative (tampering). In US, 'by jigger!' is a very dated mild oath.
Frequency
More frequent in US due to bartending culture; generally low frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VERB] to jigger something[VERB] to be jiggered with[NOUN] jigger of [LIQUID]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “I'll be jiggered! (dated expression of surprise)”
- “by jingo and by jigger! (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'jigger' in pottery or textile machinery).
Academic
Very rare; may appear in historical texts or technical descriptions.
Everyday
Most common in casual talk about drinks ('a jigger of rum') or as a vague term for an object ('hand me that jigger').
Technical
Used in bartending (measure), fishing (lure/jigging device), railroading (derailment device), pottery (machine).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He jiggered the lock until it finally opened.
- Don't jigger with the settings.
American English
- They tried to jigger the election results.
- I'll jigger this bracket to make it fit.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- This jigger thingammy is broken.
- (Not typical as adjective)
American English
- Hand me the jigger tool from the drawer.
- (Rare as adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bartender used a jigger for the vodka.
- What is this little jigger for?
- He poured a jigger of whiskey into the glass.
- I can't find the jigger to fix this.
- The mechanic jiggered the engine to get it running.
- A jigger is an essential tool for precise cocktail making.
- The investigation found they had jiggered the financial records.
- In pottery, a jiggering machine helps shape the clay uniformly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JIGGERed drink: you JIGGLE a small glass to measure a shot.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALLNESS IS A TOOL / TAMPERING IS JIGGERING
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'jig' (танцевать джигу). 'Jigger' as a noun is not 'jogger' (бегун). 'Jiggered' does not mean 'tired' (though 'I'm jiggered' can mean exhausted in UK slang).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'jigger' (measure) with 'shaker' (mixing tool). Using 'jigger' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'jigger the door' instead of 'jiggle').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'jigger' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In US bartending, yes: typically 1.5 fluid ounces (a 'jigger') and 0.75 oz (a 'pony'). Not an official SI unit.
Yes, informally, especially in phrases like 'hand me that jigger' meaning an unspecified small tool or item.
When meaning 'thingamajig,' yes, it's informal. As a bartending term, it's standard professional jargon.
It can mean 'tired' or 'exhausted' (chiefly UK) or 'surprised' (in the exclamation 'I'll be jiggered!'). As a verb form, it means altered or tampered with.