jukes
Very LowSpecialized/Historical; or Informal (sports slang)
Definition
Meaning
A surname; historically a well-known fictional family name used in sociological studies and as a general term for a lineage of criminality and social degeneracy.
In modern slang, the term can refer to deceptive or tricky moves, especially in sports like basketball, or to deceptive actions more generally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The historical use refers specifically to 'The Jukes', a notorious fictional family from 19th-century studies in criminology and heredity. The modern slang use is distinct and unrelated etymologically, deriving from the verb 'juke' meaning to feint or fake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The historical/sociological term is known in both varieties. The sports slang sense ('jukes someone out') is predominantly American.
Connotations
Historical: strongly negative connotation of inherited criminality and social pathology. Slang: connotes skill, agility, and deception in a competitive context.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English outside of academic historical contexts. Slightly more frequent in American English due to the sports slang usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] jukes [Direct Object] (sports slang)The name Jukes is associated with [concept]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull a Jukes (very rare, historical: to come from a bad lineage)”
- “Juke someone out of their shoes (slang: to deceive completely with a move)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or criminology texts discussing 19th-century theories of heredity and crime.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation unless referring to sports moves (primarily US).
Technical
In sports commentary (basketball, American football) to describe a deceptive evasion move.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- The running back juked the linebacker with a sharp cut to the left.
- She juked right, then left, leaving the defender grasping at air.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The player's quick jukes helped him score the touchdown.
- In the old sociology text, the 'Jukes' family was presented as an example of inherited degeneracy.
- His signature jukes make him one of the most elusive players in the league.
- The 19th-century study of the pseudonymous Jukes family is now widely discredited as biased and unscientific.
- The point guard's sequence of jukes and spins created just enough space for the game-winning shot.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jukes' as 'Jukes and Jewels' – one family was considered worthless (Jukes), the other precious. Or, for sports: 'Jukes' sounds like 'jooks' – you 'jook' left and right to fake out an opponent.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINEAGE IS DESTINY (historical); DECEPTION IS A PHYSICAL FAKE (sports).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'джюк' (jukebox). The surname has no direct translation; transliterate as 'Джукс'. The sports term might be translated as 'финт', 'обманное движение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Jukes' as a common noun for any criminal (it refers specifically to a *family* in historical context). Confusing the singular 'juke' (a move) with the plural 'jukes' (multiple moves or the surname).
Practice
Quiz
In modern American sports commentary, 'jukes' most commonly refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Jukes is a real surname, but its notoriety comes from its use as a pseudonym for a studied family in 19th-century sociology.
Only in very specific contexts: historical/sociological academic writing, or in analysis of American sports language. It is not a general vocabulary word.
Both mean to fake out an opponent. 'Juke' is more common in basketball and American football. 'Deke' (short for 'decoy') is more common in hockey and soccer.
Yes, its historical usage is now viewed as highly stigmatizing and based on prejudiced, non-scientific ideas about heredity and social class. It should be used with caution and contextual criticism.