# Jacobs

/ˈdʒeɪkəbz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jacobs
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a surname

noun · CEFR A1

a common family name in English-speaking countries.

For teachers: a frequent English surname of patronymic origin, derived from the name Jacob.

- Mr. Jacobs is the new science teacher at the local high school.
- The Jacobs family has operated the local hardware store for three generations, becoming a staple of the town's small business community.

### 2. testicles

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang · Humorous

a slang word for testicles.

For teachers: a term for testicles, derived from the Cockney rhyming slang 'Jacob's Crackers'.

- He got hit right in the jacobs during the football match.
- The comedian made a crude joke about being kicked in the jacobs, which drew a mixed reaction from the late-night audience.

Usage: Always used in the plural form.

Teaching tip: This is rhyming slang (Jacob's Crackers = knackers). It is informal and potentially offensive in polite company; learners should use it only in very casual, all-male environments.

## Examples

- He has plenty of Jacobs in his wallet today.
- After working overtime all month, he finally had enough Jacobs to buy that new watch he wanted.
- While the term is less common than other slang for currency, you might still hear someone in London referring to their earnings as Jacobs when discussing their weekly budget.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.