What does hijinks mean?
Hijinks is an informal noun for playful mischief, pranks, tricks, and foolish antics. It commonly describes behavior that is silly, energetic, and intended more to amuse than to cause serious harm: children might be said to be “up to hijinks,” or a film might be described as containing slapstick hijinks. The word has a comic, affectionate tone and is often associated with adventure, disguise, escape, or general disorder. Although it can suggest rule-breaking, it is generally less negative than words such as vandalism or criminality. Its unusual spelling, with the added “hi-,” gives it a lively and somewhat old-fashioned flavor, while the expression remains common in both British and American English. It is especially useful when the intended idea is not merely trouble but entertaining, exaggerated mischief.
nounPlayful or mischievous activity, especially activity involving pranks, tricks, or silly adventures. The word is usually used informally and often conveys an amused, indulgent attitude toward the misbehavior.
- Playful or mischievous activity, pranks, tricks, or silly antics.
"The children were full of hijinks, rearranging the furniture while their parents were away."
"What are you up to? I can hear all kinds of hijinks in the garden."
"The comedy series is full of slapstick hijinks and larger-than-life characters."
The word is conventionally plural in form and is used with a singular verb.
"There is some serious hijinks going on in the classroom."
Hijinks sounds as if a heist has been combined with a joke, but the word traditionally means mischievous fun rather than criminal deception.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hijinks come from?
The word developed from the older expression “hi-jinks,” associated with the Scottish word “jink” and its forms, meaning to move or behave in a dodging or mischievous way. “Hijinks” became established in English during the 18th century in the sense of foolish or mischievous conduct. Its unusual spelling and the related word “jinks” reflect the playful, jocular character that has remained central to the word.
Related word forms
How hijinks is actually used
Informal and usually playful; it often suggests harmless or amusing misbehavior, though it can also describe more elaborate foolishness. In British English, “hijinks” is especially associated with comedy and festive or mischievous escapades.
Easily confused with hijinks
Jinks is a less common variant or shortened form associated with the same idea, while hijinks is the established modern expression for playful mischief and absurd antics.