jonesing

Jonesing is informal American English for a strong craving or withdrawal from a substance, or more generally an intense urge for something. The term is most commonly associated with drug withdrawal, especially from heroin, but it is also used for caffeine, nicotine, food, or other activities. It can be used as a verb (to jones, Jonesing) or as a noun (a Jones, the jones).

Etymology: The origin is uncertain. The expression has been attested in American slang since the mid-20th century, with the strongest association to withdrawal from narcotics. Various theories link the term to heroin culture or to the idea of an irresistible “jones” — but there is no definitive scholarly consensus.

Usage: Jonesing conveys a momentary, intense desire rather than a long-term condition. In casual speech, it can describe a craving for coffee or a cigarette as well as more severe drug urges. The term is highly informal and may appear flippant or stigmatizing in clinical or formal contexts.

Examples and cultural presence: Jonesing is common in popular media, including television, film, and music, often used to depict characters experiencing cravings or withdrawal. It remains primarily used in conversational English and among speakers familiar with slang.

See also: Craving; Withdrawal; Addiction.