Jakey

/ˈdʒeɪki/ adjective

Definition

Scottish slang for cheap, low-quality, or characteristic of cheap alcohol; or resembling or characteristic of a 'jake' (a tramp or person of disreputable character).

Etymology

From Scots dialect, possibly related to 'Jake' as a common name given contemptuously to vagrants or drunks. The term has been used in Scotland for over a century to describe inferior or shabby things and behaviors associated with poverty.

Kelly Says

In Scottish slang, 'jakey' perfectly captures something that's both cheap and disreputable—like 'jakey juice' for cheap booze—and it shows how a single slang word can pack together ideas about poverty, quality, and social judgment into one dismissive adjective.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.