What is the origin of phrase high jinks?

The origin of the phrase "high jinks" is a bit murky, but it's generally thought to have come from the Scottish word "jink," which means "to dodge, to move quickly and erratically."

Here's a breakdown of the possible origins:

* "Jink" as a root: The word "jink" was used in the 16th century in Scotland to describe a quick, playful movement. It's possible that "high jinks" originally referred to boisterous, energetic, and perhaps even mischievous activities.

* "Jink" with other possible influences: The word "jink" might have been combined with other words like "high" or "hind" to create "high jinks," though the specific combination and its meaning are debated.

* "High" as a term for excitement: "High" in this context could also refer to a state of excitement or intoxication, suggesting "high jinks" were associated with parties and revelry.

The first recorded use of "high jinks" was in 1788. It appeared in a book called "The Scots Magazine," describing a group of young people engaging in boisterous and energetic activities.

While the exact origin remains unclear, it's safe to say that "high jinks" has always been associated with lively, playful, and sometimes unruly behavior.