JEEBIES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "jeebies" is an informal noun commonly used in colloquial English to describe a feeling of extreme nervousness, anxiety, or discomfort. It refers to a state of being unsettled or disturbed by something, often causing an uneasy or eerie sensation. "Jeebies" can also be used to express a sense of fear or dread, as if one's skin is crawling or shivering.
The origin of the word remains uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century as a slang term in American English. It gained popularity through its usage in blues and jazz music around the 1920s. Over time, it became a familiar term in everyday language, especially to describe an inexplicable sense of unease or paranoia.
The term "jeebies" often conveys a psychological reaction to a specific event, situation, or even a person. It is commonly associated with experiencing fear or disgust, particularly when confronted with something that provokes a strong negative emotional response. For example, one might say they have the "jeebies" after watching a horror movie or when entering a dark and unfamiliar place.
Despite its informal nature, "jeebies" is widely understood and used in conversational English to convey an intense feeling of discomfort or anxiety. The word has a playful undertone and is often employed in a light-hearted manner to express a temporary state of uneasiness rather than a chronic condition.
Etymology of JEEBIES
The etymology of the word "jeebies" is uncertain. This term first appeared in American colloquial language in the early 20th century. It is commonly used in expressions such as "the heebie-jeebies" or "to give someone the heebie-jeebies", which means to cause a feeling of unease, fear, or anxiety.
While the exact origin is unclear, there are a few theories about its etymology. One possibility is that it is derived from the Scottish word "gebbie", meaning to shudder or quiver. Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the African American Vernacular English term "hibi-jeebies", possibly influenced by the Voodoo term "hibbety-jibbety", referring to a boogeyman or ghost.
Idioms with the word JEEBIES
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give somebody the willies/heebie-jeebies/creeps
To give somebody the willies/heebie-jeebies/creeps means to cause someone to feel intense unease or anxiety, typically by something strange or unsettling.
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the heebie-jeebies
The feeling of discomfort, nervousness, or fear, often without a clear reason or explanation.
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give (one) the heebie-jeebies
To give someone the heebie-jeebies means to cause someone to feel uneasy or apprehensive, usually due to a creepy or eerie feeling.
