Contents
When you hear someone mention the “heebie jeebies,” you might wonder what they’re talking about. This reference explores the meaning behind this expression and how you can use it in conversation. You’ll also discover where the term originated from and learn about alternative phrases you can use to express the same feeling.
“Heebie Jeebies” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “heebie-jeebies” refers to a feeling of intense discomfort, uneasiness, or fear, often associated with something creepy or unsettling. It’s used to describe a reaction where something gives you the chills, makes you anxious, or causes a sense of nervousness.
“Heebie Jeebies” Meaning
The phrase “heebie-jeebies” refers to a feeling of anxiety, nervousness, or unease. It often describes a state of being jittery or having an unsettling sensation, typically in response to something frightening, creepy, or highly uncomfortable. The term can also denote a sense of fear or a strong emotional reaction to a situation.
Examples:
- “I always get the heebie-jeebies when I watch horror movies.”
- “The dark alley gave me the heebie-jeebies, so I decided to take a different route.”
Origin of this idiom
The idiom “heebie-jeebies” originated in the early 20th century, with its first recorded use in 1923. It was popularized by American comedian George A. Whiting, who used it to describe feelings of anxiety or discomfort. The playful rhyme and alliteration contributed to its appeal, and it quickly became associated with nervousness or fear, often used in a lighthearted context.
Usage of “Heebie Jeebies”
- Talking about a spooky place:
“Walking through that dark alley at night gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
- Referring to something unsettling:
“The way that spider moves really gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
- In a humorous context:
“Watching horror movies late at night always gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
- Describing an uncomfortable feeling:
“I get the heebie-jeebies whenever I have to go to the dentist.”
Related Terms to “Heebie Jeebies”
- Jitters – a feeling of nervousness or anxiety.
- Nervous wreck – a person who is extremely anxious or stressed.
- Butterflies in the stomach – a feeling of nervousness or excitement.
- Shivers – a sensation of fear or unease that causes one to tremble.
- Creeps – a feeling of unease or discomfort, often associated with fear.
- Chills – a sensation of fear or anxiety that causes shivering.
- Cold feet – a feeling of nervousness or apprehension about a decision or action.
- Panic attack – a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety.
- Unease – a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.
- Dread – a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about something that may happen.
Other Ways to Say “Heebie Jeebies”
Of course, there are many ways in which the term ‘heebie jeebies’ can be expressed, using different wording.
Here are some examples of other things you can say.
- The jitters
- Goosebumps
- The willies
- Deep depression
- Creeps
“Heebie Jeebies” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement made by someone who is talking about a haunted house.
- ‘That big house at the end of the street is surely haunted, I get the heebie jeebies every time I walk past it.’
This next statement is one being made by a student about their teacher.
- ‘I don’t like that history teacher, he’s a bit weird, I always get the heebie jeebies whenever I am around him.’
More useful examples:
- How can you have the heebie-jeebies for Mr. Alex? Look at him.
- Don’t start talking about ghosts – they give me the heebie-jeebies.
- Seeing a spider, even on the TV, always gives me the heebie-jeebies.
- The speech therapist said she got the heebie-jeebies.
- Being alone in the dark gives me the heebie-jeebies.
- I don’t mind most insects, but spiders really give me the heebie-jeebies.
Conversation Examples
If you are wondering how the phrase ‘heebie jeebies’ might be used in a conversation, here are some examples to show you how it might look and sound.
The first is a conversation which is taking place between two friends.
- Person 1: “Have you ever been to Mikes house?”
- Person 2: “No, what is it like?”
- Person 1: “It’s nice but there is something about it that just gives me the heebie jeebies.”
This next conversation is one which is taking place between two people who have just watched a scary movie.
- Person 1: “That movie was excellent.”
- Person 2: “Yes, I’ve loved every one in the series, but they are so scary.”
- Person 1: “Definitely. I really got the heebie jeebies towards the end.”
- Kindergarten Sight Words Worksheets - May 23, 2025
- Free Silent Letters Worksheets in English - May 23, 2025
- Will vs. Going to Exercises and Worksheets - May 19, 2025
Sir your website is really helpful for learning English especially idiomatic phrases, I am learning idioms very interesting way, thank you sir.