What is the origin of the term "jonesing?"

Answer by  esteban (1334)

Jonesing is thought to come from "Harry Jones" which is a slang term for the drug heroin. Heroin is highly addictive, and therefore if someone is "jonesing" for something, they are craving it as one would crave a drug. However, "jonesing" does is not limited to craving drugs. One can be "jonesing" for candy, or food, or anything.

Answer by  malone (4817)

The expression comes from "keeping up with the Joneses," which is about the desire to be viewed as being as good as somebody else. Failing to do so is to be viewed in a lower class. "Jonesing" is that desire to wanting something badly in order to keep up.

Answer by  GermanGirl (47)

Like so many other things, the term "jonesing" for "craving," came into its own during the 1960s, when it became synonymous with heroin addiction and withdrawal symptoms.