Heebie-jeebies Definition
Alternative form of heebie-jeebies.
(US, idiomatic) A general feeling of anxiety, fear, uneasiness, or nausea.
Origin of Heebie-jeebies
In 1928, the spelling "heebee-geebees" was used in U.S. article "We All Have the Heebee-Geebees" by G. M. Keller of Swift & Company (Modern School Store, Vol. 11, p. 269 via Google Books).
From Wiktionary
In 1956, the spelling "heeby jeebies" was used by U.S. singer Little Richard on the cover of his homonymous SP record (the hyphenated spelling "heeby-jeebies" on its vinyl disc itself).
From Wiktionary
In 1923, the spelling "heeby jeebys" was used by U.S. cartoonist Billy De Beck in his comic strip Barney Google (New York American, 26 October 1923).
From Wiktionary
In 1926, the spelling "heebie jeebies" was used by U.S. singer Louis Armstrong for his single "Heebie Jeebies" (written by Boyd Atkins).
From Wiktionary
In 1925, the spelling "heebee-jeebees" was used in U.S. magazine Ladies' Home Journal (Vol. 42, Part 2, p. 44).
From Wiktionary
Coined by William De Beck (1890–1942), American cartoonist, in his comic strip Barney Google
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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