A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words / Used at the Present Day in the Streets of London; the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; the Houses of Parliament; the Dens of St. Giles; and the Palaces of St. James.

by John Camden Hotten

JIB, or JIBBER, a horse that starts or shrinks. Shakespere uses it in the sense of a worn out horse.

JIBB, the tongue.—Gipsey and Hindoo.

JIFFY, “in a JIFFY,” in a moment.

JIGGER, a secret still, illicit spirits.—Scotch.

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.