How Do You Spell JIGGER?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɪɡə] (IPA)

The word "jigger" is spelled phonetically as /ˈdʒɪɡər/. In this spelling, the "j" sound is represented by the letter combination "jig", while the "g" sound is represented by the letter "g" itself. The first "i" sound is short, hence represented by the letter "i", while the second "i" sound is also represented by the letter "i". Finally, the "er" sound is represented by the letter combination "er". Overall, the spelling of "jigger" accurately represents its pronunciation.

JIGGER Meaning and Definition

  1. Jigger can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

    As a noun, jigger refers to a small, handheld measuring device used in bartending to pour specific amounts of liquid, typically alcohol. It usually consists of a small metal cup with two ends of different capacities, allowing for the precise measurement of shots or mixed drinks.

    In another sense, jigger is a mechanical device used in mining or excavation to separate soil or rocks. It typically consists of a rectangular frame with a mesh screen, often with a shaking or vibrating mechanism that allows finer particles to pass through while larger ones are retained.

    Jigger can also be a verb, meaning to manipulate or alter something in a clever or dishonest way. It may be used to describe the act of tampering with an object, such as adjusting its settings or interfering with its mechanism to achieve a desired outcome, often in an illicit or underhanded manner.

    Additionally, in informal British English, jigger is sometimes used as a euphemism for an unspecified mild curse word or a synonym for "thing" or "whatchamacallit," particularly when the speaker is uncertain or forgets the specific term for an object.

    Overall, the term jigger encompasses a range of meanings, from a bartending tool for precise measurements, to a mechanical device used in mining, to a verb describing manipulation, and even an informal substitute for unknown or forgotten words.

  2. Sand-flea, Sarcopsylla penetrans, a penetrating flea, somewhat smaller than the common flea; the female bores obliquely into the epidermis and there causes considerable irritation and sometimes inflammation.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A contrivance for hoisting in a cable on board a ship; a potter's wheel by which earthenware vessels are shaped by a rapid motion; a miner who cleans ore in a wire sieve; a machine to steady a cable; a troublesome insect of tropical climates.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for JIGGER

Etymology of JIGGER

The word "jigger" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the mid-18th century as a slang term, primarily used in British English, to refer to a measure of alcohol. Its precise origin is uncertain, but there are a few theories regarding its etymology:

1. Nautical Theory: One theory traces the word back to nautical slang. A "jigger" in this context referred to a small sail set between a fore-topmast and a topgallant mast on a sailing ship. It was a relatively smaller and secondary sail, similar to how jigger was used to measure a smaller quantity of alcohol. Over time, the term might have transitioned from nautical usage to the realm of drink measurement.

2. Scottish Origin: Another theory suggests a Scottish origin, where "jigger" meant a measure or container for spirits.

Similar spelling words for JIGGER

Plural form of JIGGER is JIGGERS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: