How the Slang Term ‘Jonesing’ Came From Great Jones Street in New York City’s East Village

Nigel Roxbury of New York City History Hub explained how the term “jonesing”, another word for craving, was created by the addict population of Great Jones Street in the East Village of New York City during the 1960s, when the block was far less wealthy and fashionable that it is today.

Great Jones Street, right off the Bowery, was bad once upon a time. Jonesin’ was birthed sometime in the 1960s by “residents” of Great Jones Street. Now Great Jones Street is one of the highest valued blocks in New York City.