'give it a bit more jimmy'

[Kidd72]

Hi, OK I understand and respect what Inercia objects are, my question is where did the phrase 'Give it some Jimmy' derive from?

No, I'm not called Jim.

Thanks for any help.

[THECORBYLOON]

I've never heard that phrase before but a jemmy is a crowbar so I suppose as force is involved, jemmy seems to have been changed to Jimmy. Mind you it could be that jemmy derives from Jimmy, in which case I have no idea

[THECORBYLOON]

Just had a look in Chambers Dictionary online and indeed, jemmy derives from the name James but does not explain why. Could it be the guy who made it popular?

[Quizmonster]

Certainly in parts of Scotland a jimmy is a gym-shoe...ie a piece of footwear...so I'd guess your phrase is just a variant of 'Give it some wellie' (wellington-boot), another type of footwear. That means put your foot down or speed up or hit it harder or put more effort into what you're doing etc.

[Kidd72]

Thanks mate i' ll do that, stick mi boot in that is. ;-)

[tabytha]

a crowbar is also known as a jimmy if thats any help

[Kidd72]

That sounds about right to me now, I did not know that. Thanks.