Are you looking for another way to say that something gives you the creeps? You could say that it gives you the “heebie jeebies.”
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase, and shows you how to use it — so keep reading for more info!
Meaning
The phrase “heebie jeebies” is also sometimes spelled with a hyphen: “heebie-jeebies.”
When you say something gives you the heebie jeebies, you mean that it creeps you out, terrifies you, makes you feel uneasy, or induces anxiety.
You can say that something gives you the heebie jeebies, or that you get the heebie jeebies from something.
Example Usage
Would you like to use the phrase “heebie jeebies” in a sentence? These examples illustrate how it’s done:
- “That new neighbor gives me the heebie jeebies. Keep your kids away from him!”
- “No, I don’t suffer from arachnophobia, but I’d be lying if I said spiders didn’t give me the heebie jeebies.”
- “We’ve been getting these crank calls for about a year now, but I still get the heebie jeebies every time I hear that creepy voice.”
Origin
Idioms and expressions typically use organically, and it is often difficult to pinpoint their exact origins.
The heebie jeebies are a notable exception. Cartoonist William (Billy) Morgan de Beck coined the phrase, which first appeared in a 1923 cartoon published in the New York American.
The original line was: “You dumb ox - why don't you get that stupid look offa your pan - you gimme the heeby jeebys!”
The phrase emerged during a time when rhyming was very popular; the phrase “the bee’s knees” (meaning “wonderful”) was coined at around the same time.
The heebie jeebies caught on so quickly that the term sparked a popular dance called the heebie-jeebie in the 1920s. Even the marketers of the decade turned to the phrase “heebie jeebies,” which can also mean “jitters,” to sell medications.
The fact that entries defining “heebie jeebies” as jitters, fear, nervousness, and worry have appeared on Urban Dictionary as recently as 2020 shows that the phrase remains popular today, even with younger generations.
“Heebie jeebies” is a slang term, but a widely-recognized one. Although you should not use it in a formal context, the phrase “heebie jeebies” is unlikely to cause offense.
Phrases Similar to Heebie Jeebies
Are you looking for other ways to say that something scares you, worries you, or makes you feel uneasy? You could also use these phrases:
- That gives me the willies.
- That creeps me out.
- That gives me goosebumps.
- That nearly gave me a heart attack.
Phrases Opposite to Heebie Jeebies
Something scares you or makes you feel uneasy if it gives you the heebie jeebies. You may be experiencing the opposite if:
- Something gives you butterflies. This phrase is used to describe passion, excitement, or being in love.
- Something makes your heart flutter. This means you feel happy and excited.
What Is the Correct Saying?
The correct saying is “heebie jeebies.” This phrase means that something scares you, startles you, or makes you feel uneasy.
Ways People May Say Heebie Jeebies Incorrectly
English learners should be aware that the well-known phrase “heebie jeebies” is considered a casual phrase — not quite slang, but close to it.
You would be advised to use more precise language in formal settings. You could say that something scares you, induces anxiety, or makes you nervous instead.
Acceptable Ways to Say Heebie Jeebies
You could say that something gives you the heebie jeebies, or you get the heebie jeebies from something, in a casual conversation with friends or acquaintances.
If you’re looking for an informal vibe, you can also use the phrase “heebie jeebies” in writing — advertisers have done so successfully in the past.
Spiders, clowns, bats, and abandoned houses are common examples of things that give people the heebie jeebies. People can also give you that feeling, but think twice before telling someone they give you the heebie jeebies.