A jigger can refer to two different things: a small tool used to measure the proper amount of alcohol that should be added to a cocktail, or a small parasitic flea that burrows into the skin of a warm-blooded host before laying eggs.
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Jigger as a Cocktail Measuring Tool: A jigger is a common bar essential that acts as a cocktail measuring cup. Jiggers are dual-sided and help bartenders cut down on overpouring and remain consistent when crafting cocktails. There are several different sizes of jiggers, and you should always double-check jigger measurements when following a cocktail recipe. A standard jigger is 1.5 oz. and 0.75 ounces on either side. The most common jiggers are 1.5 x 0.75 oz. and 2 x 1 oz.
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Jigger as a Parasitic Flea: A jigger is a small parasitic flea that burrows into the skin of a warm-blooded host before laying eggs. They generally attack feet or hands. At first, the jigger appears as a small black dot on the skin. As the females abdomen fills with blood and eggs, a bump forms underneath the skin, which is often painful and itchy and makes walking incredibly difficult. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation. People suffering from jiggers usually attempt to remove them with safety pins, thorns, or other sharp, and often unsanitary, objects. Many of the children who join Kinship Projects in Kenya have jiggers embedded in their feet and hands, and even more people in the community are affected by these dangerous parasites.
