Jiggery Pokery

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s dance RH across; 1s cast 1 place (2s dance up to top) and 1s ¾ turn RH to end Lady between 2s and Man between 3s
9-16 1s dance ½ reels of 3 across giving RSh to 4th corner into ½ reels of 3 on sides to end facing 1st corners
17-24 1s dance ½ RSh reels of 4 with 1st corners and ½ reel of 4 with 2nd corners to end 2nd place own sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s dance Grand Chain

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

The term is a playful-sounding expression with serious connotations, typically used to describe dubious actions carried out behind the scenes or just within the bounds of legality.

Its roots lie in the older Scots dialect phrase joukery-pawkery, a compound of jouk (to dodge or evade) and pawky (sly or cunning). This original form was first recorded in 1686 and gained wider literary recognition through Sir Walter Scott's 1816 novel, The Black Dwarf.

Over time, as language evolved and the phrase crossed into broader English usage, Joukery-Pawkery transformed into jiggery-pokery. Though softened in tone, the newer version preserves the original sense of clever mischief or suspicious conduct.

Sly Fox

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