Jacked: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 21, 2023

"Jacked" is a slang term that has different meanings based on the context it's used in. For most, it can mean someone who has a very muscular physique. For others, it could refer to someone feeling high or excited. Sometimes, it's used to describe something that's been stolen. The main thing is the way it's used can change its meaning. So, always pay attention to the situation to fully grasp its sense.

In short:

  • "Jacked" refers to someone very muscular or in good physical shape.
  • Additionally, it can refer to being excited or pumped up about something. 
  • It can also refer to an intoxicated person or someone high on drugs.
  • You can also use it to describe something stolen or hijacked.

What Does "Jacked" Mean?

The term "jacked" is versatile, and its meaning can shift based on how it's used. Typically, when someone talks about a person being "jacked," they're saying that the person is very muscular. Sometimes, people use "jacked" when referring to feeling energetic or high, especially from certain drugs. Lastly, if you hear someone say, "My bike got jacked," they're telling you it got stolen.

Let's dig deeper into its main interpretations:

  • "Jacked" is often used in fitness contexts to say someone is muscular or in good shape.
  • Someone too excited or appearing on a high might be described as "jacked up."
  • In a different setting, if someone's property is stolen, they might say it got "jacked."
  • You might hear it in sentences like "He's looking jacked after all those gym sessions." This implies the person worked hard to get fit.
  • Some other ways to express the term could be "buffed," "ripped," or "amped up," depending on the situation.

Where Does "Jacked" Come From?

The origin of "jacked" is unclear, but it has been popular in various subcultures. Its meaning, related to being muscular, possibly comes from "jack," as in lifting or boosting something up. When it refers to theft, it could come from "hijack," which means to steal or take over. The term has found its place in day-to-day slang, showing its versatility in English.

Historical Example

"He was at work under the trucks removed from one end of a jacked up box car. While thus engaged, the end of the car fell upon his legs, which extended beyond the trucks."

- The American and English Railroad Cases: A Collection of All ..., Volume 50, 1908

10 Examples of "Jacked" in Sentences

To give you a clearer understanding of when to use this term, let's check out some examples from various contexts:

  • After his intense workout sessions, he looked so jacked that everyone noticed.
  • She felt jacked up and ready to have a blast when she drank that energy drink.
  • Seeing a friend's new sports car, he exclaimed, "Did you get this jacked from a movie set?"
  • She was so jacked up on coffee that she couldn't sit still during the meeting.
  • Some folks love to chat about how he got all jacked from intense workouts, but he's just one of those guys who likes to break balls and tease everyone.
  • I was trying to make a lighthearted comment about how quickly you've become jacked; I didn't intend to rib someone, so don't take it personally!
  • When he saw the weights she lifted, he asked, "Are you planning to get jacked?"
  • Realizing his wallet was jacked, his face turned pale, and he began to tense up.
  • After weeks of diet and exercise, he's now looking quite jacked.
  • Last fall, the entire neighborhood was buzzing about that high-end bike that unfortunately got jacked from outside the coffee shop.

Examples of "Jacked" in Pop Culture

The term often shows up in pop culture, primarily signifying either a muscular physique or heightened excitement.

Let's see where it pops up:

  • The book “Jacked Vol. 1: From the Creator of the Hit Show Supernatural” by Eric Kripke is about a man named Josh Jaffe who discovers a new drug that gives him superpowers.
  • An article titled “How To Get Jacked: Your Ultimate Guide in 2023” was published by Herculean Strength.
  • The song Jacked Up by Weezer has the lyrics: I'm all jacked up, over you / I'd bury diamonds, just for you / Oh, why, why, why do my flowers always die?
  • In his 2012 book "Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto," David Kushner describes the history of Grand Theft Auto and its founders, Sam Houser and Dan Houser.
  • The TV series "Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force" shows the action-packed world of a New Jersey police unit dedicated to carjackers.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Jacked"

Different expressions can relay a similar meaning to "jacked," depending on the context.

Here's a roundup:

  • Ripped
  • Pumped up
  • Buffed
  • Energized
  • Stolen
  • Kiped
  • Buffed out
  • Excited
  • Revved up
  • Bulked up
  • Amped

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Jacked":

  • What does "jacked" mean?

"Jacked" can refer to someone who has a muscular physique. But in a different context, it can also indicate a heightened sense of excitement or even refer to something being stolen.

  • How can I use "jacked" in a sentence?

You can use "jacked" as an adjective in a sentence to describe someone's physical build or level of excitement. For instance: “He's looking jacked after those workout sessions.” or “She's all jacked up on caffeine.”

  • Is "jacked" a slang term?

Yes, "jacked" is a slang term. It's mostly used informally and in casual conversations.

  • Does it have a positive or negative connotation?

The connotation can be either positive or negative, depending on the context. For instance, someone being described as "jacked" in terms of physique is usually positive. But if it refers to stealing, it has a negative implication.

  • Is "jacked" primarily American slang?

While "jacked" is popular in American slang, it is understood and used in other English-speaking regions as well, albeit with varying frequency.

  • Can "jacked" refer to someone's emotional state?

Yes, someone who is "jacked up" can be extremely excited or hyped about something.

  • Is it appropriate to use "jacked" in formal contexts?

Given its slang nature, "jacked" isn't typically suitable for formal contexts. It's better suited for casual conversations.

  • Does "jacked" only refer to men?

No, "jacked" can refer to both men and women. It's gender-neutral when referring to physique or excitement.

  • Can "jacked" be used in sports or fitness contexts?

Yes, in the world of sports and fitness, someone described as "jacked" typically has a muscular and toned physique.

  • What's the difference between "jacked" and "ripped"?

Both "jacked" and "ripped" refer to someone with a muscular physique, but "ripped" often emphasizes low body fat, making the muscles more defined. "Jacked" highlights overall muscle size and bulk.

Final Thoughts About "Jacked"

The term "jacked" isn't just about muscles or lifting weights. It describes feelings of excitement, situations of theft, and more. Like many slang terms, context is key. So, whether you're at the gym admiring someone's gains or feeling the energy at a live concert, the word "jacked" might fit right in.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Jacked" is versatile slang that can refer to someone's physique, an energetic mood, or even an unfortunate event like theft.
  • It's an informal term, so it's best used in casual settings and conversations.
  • Being "jacked" doesn't exclusively apply to men. Both men and women can be described as "jacked" if they've got impressive muscles.
  • It's essential to pay attention to context to understand whether "jacked" refers to someone's physique, mood, or something stolen.

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