jigger 1 |ˈjigər|noun1 a machine or vehicle with a part that rocks or moves back and forth, e.g., a jigsaw.2 a person who dances a jig.3 a small fore-and-aft sail set at the stern of a ship.• a small tackle consisting of a double and single block or two single blocks with a rope.4 a measure or small glass of spirits or wine.5 dated Golf a metal golf club with a narrow face.6 used to refer to a thing whose name one does not know or does not wish to mention : see them little jiggers?verb [ trans. ] informalrearrange or tamper with.PHRASESwell, I'll be (or I'm) jiggered used to express one's astonishment.ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (originally a slang word for a door): from the verb jig (the relationship with which is obscure in certain senses).
According to my other dictionary, "I'll be jiggered" is a British expression. I've sure never heard it before yesterday—from Charlie Cochrane. Brits have the awesomest expressions. I want to steal them all. And sometimes I do—my poor editor keeps asking if I'm intentionally making my characters sound British.
