jake leg
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Paralysis of the feet and ankles caused by the consumption of TOCP (tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate) or methyl alcohol, found in adulterated moonshine or Jamaica ginger extract.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Out-of-town patients came in droves for the treatment of [jake leg]. Jake leg was caused by drinking methyl (wood) alcohol rather than ethyl alcohol. There's a world of difference.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “jake leg” mean?
Paralysis of the feet and ankles caused by the consumption of TOCP (tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate) or methyl alcohol, found in adulterated moonshine or Jamaica ginger extract.
Is “jake leg” formal or informal?
jake leg is generally slang.