heebie-jeebies

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

The earliest found occurences of spelling variants (it is not established whether the first one coined the term or committed to print an earlier oral expression):

  • In 1923, the spelling "heeby jeebys" was used by U.S. cartoonist Billy De Beck in his comic strip Barney Google (New York American, 26 October 1923).
  • In 1925, the spelling "heebee-jeebees" was used in U.S. magazine Ladies' Home Journal (Vol. 42, Part 2, p. 44).
  • In 1926, the spelling "heebie jeebies" was used by U.S. singer Louis Armstrong for his single "Heebie Jeebies" (written by Boyd Atkins).
  • In 1928, the spelling "heebee-geebees" was used in U.S. article "We All Have the Heebee-Geebees" by G. M. Keller of Swift & Company (Modern School Store, Vol. 11, p. 269 via Google Books).
  • In 1956, the spelling "heeby jeebies" was used by U.S. singer Little Richard on the cover of his homonymous SP record (and the hyphenated spelling "heeby-jeebies" on its vinyl disc itself).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈhiː.biːˌdʒiː.biːz/

Noun

heebie-jeebies pl (plural only)

  1. (informal) A general feeling of anxiety, fear, uneasiness, or nausea.
    I don't mind worms, but spiders give me the heebie-jeebies.
    When I see that weird house, I get the heebie-jeebies.

Usage notes

Most commonly used with the verbs "give" and "get" (as in the expressions "get the heebie-jeebies" and "give someone the heebie-jeebies").

Synonyms

Translations

See also
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