Job Discussion Forums

[Kurochan]

Here's a weird question:
I'm showing my students the film "Love Jones" tomorrow. I know they'll ask about the title, and I just want to be sure I explain it right. To me, to "jones" for something means to itch for something, but is that right? I looked it up, and it said a jones is an addiction to something. Is THAT right? I don't want to give the students a bum steer.

[Lucy Snow]

I've heard it used both ways--talking about an addiction and also as a serious craving for something.

Know the old song "Me and Mrs. Jones"? There's a "theory" that's the singer is actually talking about heroin, not an affair with a married woman.

[Africaexpert]

"I got a basketball jones".

[gerard]

Today it means craving or withdrawal but this sounds like one of those old "blaxploitation" films so maybe it meant something else in the '70s. Good question.

[R]

So somebody who was desperate to travel to Indiana would have an...

[johnslat]

Dear R,
Sorry to have to point out a slight flaw in your example:

NOBODY would EVER be desperate to travel TO Indiana

Now, getting OUT of there, that's a different story.

" Indiana wants me, Lord I can't go back there
Indiana wants me, Lord I can't go back there
I wish I had you, to talk to

If a man ever needed dying he did
No one had a right to say what he said about you
And it's so cold and lonely here without you
Out there the law is coming
I've been so tired of running

REFRAIN

It hurts to see the man that I've become
To know I'll never see the morning sunshine on the land
I'll never see your smiling face or touch your hand
If just once more I could see
You, our home and our little baby

REFRAIN

I hope this letter finds it's way to you
Forgive me love for the shame I've put you through and all the tears
Hang on love to the memories of those happy years
Red lights are flashing around me
Good Lord it looks like they found me "


See what happens to people who GO to Indiana?

Regards,
John

[R]

Er, John, I think you have a little song on your post!

[johnslat]

Dear R,
And in my heart. I've got a big repatriation Jones and only 28 more days to go.
Regards,
Joh

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Dear Kurochan:

You are correct. Here's the most detailed defintion I could find:

Jones
(n) A craving for something. It is said to come from Jones Alley in Manhattan where junkies used to live. E.g.: "Baseball Jones": needing baseball, "love Jones": a dire craving for someone, "Jonesing for some MJ": wanting some marijuana. "I got a love Jones for your body and skin tone" -- Method Man & Mary J. Blige (You are all I need [1994]).

The above definition came from www.onelook.com/ (see slang references at the bottom)

Regards,
kENt

PS: Here are the lyrics to the song mentioned above. See red font for the 'love jones' line in question:

You're All I Need

Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige:

Rugged style, it's enough to make a hardrock smile
Ha ha ha, cheeba cheeba y'all
Cheeba cheeba y'all, and you don't stop
Yeah yeah, cootie in the chair
Cheeba cheeba y'all, and you don't stop
Yeah yeah, cootie in the -- check Tical

You're all, I need
(Lie together, cry together, I swear to God I hope we f*ckin die together)
to get by, ahhhhh
You're all, I need
(Lie together, cry together, I swear to God I hope we f*ckin die together)
to get by, ahhhhh

[Verse One:]

Shorty I'm there for you anytime you need me
For real girl, it's me in your world, believe me
Nuttin make a man feel better than a woman
Queen with a crown that be down for whatever
There are few things that's forever, my lady
We can make war or make babies
Back when I was nothin
You made a brother feel like he was somethin
That's why I'm with you to this day boo no frontin
Even when the skies were gray
You would rub me on my back and say "Baby it'll be okay"
Now that's real to a brother like me baby
Never ever give my cootie away and keep it tight aight
And I'ma walk these dogs so we can live
In a fat ass crib with thousands of kids
Word life you don't need a ring to be my wife
Just be there for me and I'ma make sure we
Be livin in the effin lap of luxury
I'm realizing that you didn't have to funk wit me
But you did, now I'm going all out kid
And I got mad love to give, you my nigga

[Interlude: Mary J. Blige]

Like sweet morning dew
I took one look at you
And it was plain to see
You were my destiny
With you I'll spend my time
I'll dedicate my life
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life for you

[Verse Two:]

I got a love jonz for your body and your skin tone
Five minutes alone I'm already on the bone
Plus I love the fact you got a mind of your own
No need to shop around you got the good stuff at home
Even if I'm locked up North you in the world
Wrapped in three-fourths of cloth never showin your stuff off, boo
It be true me for you that's how it is
I be your Noah, you be my Wiz
I'm your Mister, you my Mrs. with hugs and kisses
Valentine cards and birthday wishes? Please
Be on another level of planning, of understanding
the bond between man and woman, and child
The highest elevation, cuz we above
All that romance crap, just show your love

I'm sick of police
Ha ha ha, cheeba cheeba y'all
And you don't stop
Yeah yeah, cootie in the -- Tical!
Cheeba cheeba y'all, and you don't stop
Yeah yeah, cootie in the chair, Tical!
Cheeba cheeba y'all, and you don't stop
Yeah yeah, cootie in the chair, Tical