Hi-jinks

Hi-jinks (also often written as high jinks) refers to boisterous, mischievous, and often playful behavior or activity. It typically involves lighthearted pranks, lively antics, and spirited fun, frequently in a group setting. While the behavior might involve a degree of lighthearted trickery, the intention is generally not malicious, but rather aimed at creating amusement and excitement. The term often implies a sense of youthful energy, lightheartedness, and a disregard for serious rules or conventions, at least temporarily. High-jinks are usually spontaneous and unpredictable, adding a degree of excitement and unpredictability to events, fostering a shared sense of enjoyment among participants.

Hi-jinks meaning with examples

• The office holiday party quickly devolved into a night of high-jinks, with silly costumes, water balloon fights, and impromptu karaoke performances. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves after a stressful work year. The CEO even got involved, wearing a comical hat. Nobody worried about formalities or procedures, just enjoying the moment.
• During the camping trip, the teenagers engaged in all sorts of high-jinks. They told spooky stories around the campfire, played hide-and-seek in the woods, and secretly swapped the sugar for salt in each others' hot chocolates. Their parents would sometimes join in too. It was all good fun.
• The annual school talent show traditionally includes a segment for high-jinks, where the students orchestrate skits and performances with ridiculous props and costumes. Each year they compete to make each other laugh. The students' efforts were more creative and entertaining than serious talent show competitors.
• After winning the championship game, the team celebrated with a series of high-jinks in the locker room, including pouring Gatorade over the coach's head and singing raucous victory songs. Even though they were exhausted, the team's high jinks had them buzzing with excitement. Their joy was infectious.
• The bachelor party was a whirlwind of high-jinks, from the embarrassing pranks pulled on the groom to the late-night escapades in the city. The activities might not have been for everyone, but the groom got to enjoy all of the fun activities.