Etymology Journal · W
Well, I'll be jiggered!
Meaning
- A charming and very safe expression of surprise. It suggests that if the thing you are seeing is true, you would be 'jiggered'—whatever that means.
Quirky, endearing
Used in a sentence
- Well, I'll be jiggered, I forgot my anniversary.
- Well, I'll be jiggered, that dog can play the piano.
- Well, I'll be jiggered, the coffee shop is closed.
The backstory
Jiggered is an old British term meaning annoyed or bewildered. Americans adopted it to create a harmless, nonsensical oath.
Heard in
Midwest / Nationwide
Vibe check