Here's a breakdown:
* Origin: "Jinks" likely comes from the Middle English word "jynke," meaning "to move or dance quickly."
* Early Use: It was used in the 16th century to describe a lively dance or a noisy celebration.
* Evolution: The meaning shifted to refer to bad luck or misfortune in the 18th century.
Therefore, "jinks" isn't something one person invented. It emerged organically from language evolution, with its meaning shifting over centuries.