jimmy
C1Informal; specific technical register in locksmithing/security; vulgar in one slang sense.
Definition
Meaning
A short crowbar used, especially by burglars, to force open windows and doors.
As a verb: to force something open or apart with a jimmy or similar tool. Also used as an informal term for a penis (chiefly US, vulgar).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun for the tool. The verb is a conversion/zero-derivation from the noun. The vulgar slang sense is considered low register and potentially offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, the tool is more commonly called a 'jemmy' (same pronunciation). 'Jimmy' is the standard American spelling. The verb follows the same spelling preference. The slang term for penis is primarily American.
Connotations
In both varieties, the noun/verb strongly connotes illegal breaking and entering.
Frequency
The tool/verb sense has similar frequency in relevant contexts (crime, security). The slang sense is almost exclusively American.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] jimmies [object] (open)[subject] uses a jimmy to [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Jimmy it open (informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in security or insurance reports ('entry was gained via a jimmy').
Academic
Rare; may appear in criminology or forensic science texts.
Everyday
Used in crime-related news reports or stories. The verb can be used metaphorically ('I had to jimmy the lid off the jar').
Technical
Standard term in locksmithing, physical security, and police work.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The burglar attempted to jemmy the patio door.
- You'll need to jemmy that old crate apart.
American English
- The thief tried to jimmy the car window.
- He jimmied the lock with a piece of stiff wire.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Police found a small jimmy near the broken window.
- The forensic report indicated the door had been jimmied open from the outside.
- 'Jemmy' is the British English spelling of the word 'jimmy'.
- Despite its innocuous appearance, the tyre iron was used as a makeshift jimmy to effect entry.
- The suspect was proficient in jimmying standard sash windows, leaving minimal forensic traces.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Jimmy' trying to get into a house – he needs a JIMMY to force his way in. The name matches the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A PERSON (via personal name). FORCING OPEN IS A SPECIFIC TOOL ACTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the common English name 'Jimmy'. In translation from Russian, 'монтировка' or 'лом' are close, but 'jimmy' is typically smaller. The slang sense has no direct, polite Russian equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'jimmy' to mean any large crowbar (it's typically a smaller, angled one). Using the slang sense in formal/inappropriate contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'jemmy' the standard spelling for the tool?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal for the tool/verb, though it is standard technical jargon in security fields. One slang sense is vulgar.
A jimmy is a specific, usually smaller, type of crowbar, often with a curved end, designed for prying open windows and doors.
Yes, meaning to force something open with such a tool (e.g., 'to jimmy a lock').
It's a variant spelling that became standard in the UK, likely from the nickname 'Jemmy' (a period form of 'Jimmy'). The pronunciation is identical.