What does jimp mean?
Jimp is an uncommon word with two distinct uses. As a verb, it describes hair that bristles or stands on end, as though raised by cold, wind, fright, or excitement: “His hair jimps beneath his hat.” It is chiefly literary and is encountered far less often than the familiar verb bristle. As an adjective, jimp is chiefly Scottish and means neat, smart, or jaunty, especially of a person’s clothes or general appearance. “She looked jimp in her new suit” consequently carries a sense of cheerful, stylish presentation rather than merely being well dressed. The word is especially useful in Scottish literature and in descriptive prose that seeks an unusual, precise expression. Modern speakers will usually recognize its meaning once explained, but they are unlikely to use either sense in ordinary conversation without sounding deliberately old-fashioned or regional.
To bristle or stand out, especially with hair raised from the head.
"The cat's fur jimped as it heard a noise behind the fence."
Now uncommon in standard English and chiefly literary or regional.
Neat, smart, or jaunty in appearance.
"He looked jimp in a pressed jacket and polished boots."
Chiefly used in Scottish English.
In Scottish English, jimp can compliment a person's appearance; in rare English literary use, it usually describes hair standing on end.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jimp come from?
Jimp comes from Scots, where the adjective means neat, smart, or jaunty. Its English verb, describing hair that stands on end, is also generally associated with Scottish and northern English usage before becoming a literary or dialectal word. The deeper origin of the Scots form is uncertain, so it should not confidently be connected with unrelated-looking words merely because their sounds are similar.
How jimp is actually used
The adjective is chiefly Scottish. The verb is uncommon in modern standard English and has a distinctly literary quality, often describing hair standing upright or projecting outward.