JIGGER, “I’m JIGGERED if you will,” a common form of mild
swearing.—_See_ SNIGGER.
JIGGER, a door; “dub the JIGGER,” shut the door. _Ancient cant_, GYGER.
In billiards the _bridge_ on the table is often termed the JIGGER.
JIGGER-DUBBERS, term applied to jailors or turnkeys.
JILT, a crowbar or housebreaking implement.
JINGO, “by JINGO,” a common form of oath, said to be a corruption of
_St. Gingoulph_.—_Vide Halliwell._
JOB, a short piece of work, a prospect of employment. _Johnson_
describes JOB as a low word, without etymology. It is, and was,
however, a cant word, and a JOB, two centuries ago, was an arranged
robbery. Even at the present day it is mainly confined to the streets,
in the sense of employment for a short time. Amongst undertakers a JOB
signifies a funeral; “to do a JOB,” conduct any one’s funeral; “by
the JOB,” _i.e._, _piece_-work, as opposed to _time_-work. A JOB in
political phraseology is a Government office or contract, obtained by
secret influence or favouritism.
To JOE BLAKE THE BARTLEMY, to visit a low woman.
JOEY, a fourpenny piece. The term is derived (like BOBBY from Sir
Robert Peel) from Joseph Hume, the late respected M.P. The explanation
is thus given in _Hawkins’ History of the Silver Coinage of England_.
“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing
instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the
nickname of JOEYS. As they were very convenient to pay short cab
fares, the Hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers,
who frequently received only a _groat_ where otherwise they would
have received a sixpence without any demand for change.” The term
originated with the London cabmen, who have invented many others.
JOG-TROT, a slow but regular trot, or pace.
JOGUL, to play up, at cards or other game. _Spanish_, JUGAR.
JOHN THOMAS, a generic for “flunkies,”—footmen popularly represented
with large calves and bushy whiskers.
JOLLY, a word of praise, or favourable notice; “chuck Harry a JOLLY,
Bill!” _i.e._, go and praise up his goods, or buy of him, and speak
well of the article, that the crowd standing around his stall may
think it a good opportunity to lay out their money. “Chuck a JOLLY,”
literally translated, is to throw a shout or a good word.
JOLLY, a Royal Marine.—_See_ HORSE MARINE.
JOMER, a sweetheart, or favourite girl.—_See_ BLOWER.