jigger

jigger — noun

IPA/ˈdʒɪɡə(r)/
IPA/ˈdʒɪɡər/
  • jiggersingular
  • jiggersplural

1. a small metal or glass cup that holds a fixed amount of strong alcohol, used by

1.nounB2
Definition

a small metal or glass cup that holds a fixed amount of strong alcohol, used by bartenders to serve exact portions of drinks such as whiskey or vodka

Example

The bartender poured one jigger of whiskey into the glass and added a splash of soda.

a jigger of [alcohol] — quantity pattern

Maja picked up the silver jigger from the counter and measured out exactly two ounces of vodka.

Common collocations
  • a jigger of rum/whiskey/vodka/gin
  • silver jigger
  • double jigger
  • pour a jigger
  • measure a jigger
  • half a jigger
Synonyms
  • shot glass

    a small glass for drinking spirits straight; a jigger is usually a measuring tool, not a drinking vessel

  • measure

    more general term; jigger implies a specific two-sided metal container

Grammar Patterns

a jigger of [liquid]

Usage Note

A standard jigger holds 1.5 US fluid ounces (44 ml) on one side and 1 US fluid ounce (30 ml) on the other, but sizes vary by country.

Common Mistakes

I need a jigger of water.
I need a jigger of whiskey.
Jigger is used for strong alcoholic drinks, not for water or soft drinks.
A jigger is the same as a regular cup.
A jigger is a small measuring tool, about the size of a shot glass.
A jigger is much smaller than a regular drinking cup.

2. a very small tropical flea or mite that digs into the skin of humans or animals

2.nounC1
Definition

a very small tropical flea or mite that digs into the skin of humans or animals and causes painful, itchy swellings

Example

After walking barefoot on the beach in Nigeria, Adaeze discovered a jigger under her toenail.

jigger under [body part] — location pattern

Jiggers are a serious health problem in some tropical areas where people cannot afford shoes.

Common collocations
  • remove a jigger
  • jigger infestation
  • tropical jigger
  • get jiggers
  • treat jiggers
Synonyms
  • chigoe

    the specific scientific name for the flea; less common in everyday English

  • sand flea

    broader term that includes jiggers and other small biting insects on beaches

  • chigger

    often used interchangeably but refers to a different mite in some regions

Usage Note

Often confused with 'chigger' in casual speech. In medical contexts, a jigger specifically refers to the chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) found in tropical regions, while chiggers are mites found in temperate areas.

Common Mistakes

I got bitten by a jigger mosquito.
A jigger is a flea, not a mosquito.
Jiggers burrow into the skin; mosquitoes bite and fly away.

jigger — verb

IPA/ˈdʒɪɡ.ər/
IPA/ˈdʒɪɡ.ɚ/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These four words all describe dishonest interference, but differ in scope and formality. 'Jigger' is informal and primarily British; it often refers to secretly altering data, records, or measuring devices to cheat someone. 'Rig' is more common in American English and can describe controlling outcomes in elections, competitions, or games (e.g., 'They rigged the contest'). 'Tamper with' places emphasis on physically interfering with a mechanism or document, and is common in safety warnings ('Do not tamper with the smoke alarm'). 'Fix' is very informal and can also mean 'arrange illegally' (e.g., 'The match was fixed'). 'Manipulate' is the most formal and can be neutral (manipulate data in Excel) or negative (manipulate public opinion). Use 'jigger' when the focus is on small-scale dishonest adjustments to measurements, records, or equipment.

rigtamper with ↗fix ↗manipulate ↗

Etymology

English

The origin of 'jigger' is uncertain, but it likely comes from the word 'jig', which has several meanings related to quick, back-and-forth motion. The drink-measure sense dates from the mid-1800s, possibly because bartenders 'jigged' (shook) the measure when pouring. The insect sense comes from West African or Caribbean English adaptations of 'chigoe'. The verb sense meaning 'to manipulate dishonestly' developed in the early 1900s from the idea of 'jiggering' or adjusting something quickly and secretly.

First known use

1675

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2 Verb