Heebie-jeebies
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈhiË.biËËŒdÊ’iË.biËz/
Alternative forms
Origin
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).
Full definition of heebie-jeebies
Noun
heebie-jeebies
(plural only)- (US, idiomatic) 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 in the expressions "get the heebie-jeebies" and "give someone the heebie-jeebies").