Jonesin

Jonesin is informal American English slang that means to have a strong craving or urge for something. The expression is typically used in the present tense, as in “I’m Jonesing for a cup of coffee,” and can be formed as “Jonesing for [something]” or simply “Jonesing.” It covers a wide range of desires, from everyday items like food or caffeine to more intense cravings, including drugs. The term is often used in casual conversation, pop culture, and media, and is commonly written as jonesing or Jonesin’.

Etymology and history: The exact origins of Jonesing are unclear. The phrase has appeared in American slang since the mid- to late-20th century and was originally associated with withdrawal or craving in drug culture, particularly heroin. Over time, its use broadened to describe strong desires for a variety of things beyond narcotics.

Usage notes: Jonesin is informal and generally inappropriate for formal writing. It is more common in spoken language, light journalism, and entertainment media. While it originated in contexts of dependency, contemporary usage often treats it lightheartedly and non-judgmentally when referring to ordinary wants, such as “Jonesing for a snack” or “Jonesing to get back on the field.”

Cultural references: The term has permeated music, television, and film as a vivid way to express longing or urgent needs. Its recognizability in popular culture reflects its transition from subcultural slang to mainstream vernacular.

See also: Craving, Addiction, Slang, Withdrawal.