jiggery-pokery

Definition

Trickery or misrepresentation.

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots joukery-pawkery (“trickery; deceit”) Attested in English since the nineteenth century. The earliest known use was in the Berkshire Chronicle in 1845.

Example Sentences

• "'Jiggery-pokery,' said Helena, 'you talk jiggery-pokery. Stop it, can't you?'"
• "Much as 'off-balance sheet' jiggery-pokery and other 'creative accounting' allowed banks to get away with false impressions of their true financial position..."
• "...under the present law, the averages were made up so faithfully and fairly as to prevent any jiggery-pokery."