slang or colloq. [Origin disputed. It has been referred to JIGGER sb.2, and to JIGGER sb.1 sense 6 b: cf. next.] Used as a vague substitute for a profane oath or imprecation, esp. in asseverations. (Only in passive.)
1837. Marryat, Dog-fiend, xxxvi. I’m jiggered if he don’t tell a lie.
1861. Dickens, Gt. Expect., xvii. ‘Well, then,’ said he, ‘I’m jiggered if I don’t see you home.’ This penalty of being jiggered was a favourite supposititious case of his. He attached no definite meaning to the word that I am aware of.
1886. Mrs. F. H. Burnett, Lit. Ld. Fauntleroy, ii. (1892), 23. ‘Well,’ said Mr. Hobbs, ‘I’ll be—jiggered!’
This was an exclamation he always used when he was very much astonished or excited.
