jiggery-pokery

noun

jig·​gery-pok·​ery ˈji-gər-ē-ˈpō-kər-ē How to pronounce jiggery-pokery (audio)
Synonyms of jiggery-pokerynext
: underhanded manipulation or dealings : trickery

Synonyms

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Examples of jiggery-pokery in a Sentence

the judge ordered the corporation to hand over all records, with no jiggery-pokery about unexpected problems and missing information

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of Scots joukery-pawkery, from jouk to dodge, cheat + pawk trick, wile

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jiggery-pokery was circa 1892

Dictionary Entries Near jiggery-pokery

jigger up

jiggery-pokery

jigget

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Jiggery-pokery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jiggery-pokery. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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