jam vs muddle

jam

verb
  • To dunk. 

  • To get something stuck, often (though not necessarily) in a confined space. 

  • To block or confuse a radio or radar signal by transmitting a more-powerful signal on the same frequency. 

  • To brusquely force something into a space; to cram, to squeeze. 

  • To injure a finger or toe by sudden compression of the digit's tip. 

  • To give up on a date or some other joint endeavour; to stand up, chicken out, jam out. 

  • To throw a pitch at or near the batter's hands. 

  • To play music (especially improvisation as a group, or an informal unrehearsed session). 

  • To cause congestion or blockage. Often used with "up". 

  • To attempt to score points. 

  • To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback. 

  • To render something unable to move. 

noun
  • A forceful dunk. 

  • balls, bollocks, courage, machismo 

  • A blockage, congestion, or immobilization. 

  • A difficult situation. 

  • A song; a track. 

  • The tree Acacia acuminata, with fruity-smelling hard timber. 

  • A play during which points can be scored. 

  • Luck. 

  • A difficult situation for a pitcher or defending team. 

  • An informal event where people brainstorm and collaborate on projects. 

  • A sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar and allowed to congeal. Often spread on bread or toast or used in jam tarts. 

  • An informal, impromptu performance or rehearsal. 

  • Any of several maneuvers requiring wedging of an extremity into a tight space. 

  • Sexual relations or the contemplation of them. 

  • That which one particularly prefers, desires, enjoys, or cares about. 

muddle

verb
  • To dabble in mud. 

  • To mash slightly for use in a cocktail. 

  • To think and act in a confused, aimless way. 

  • To cloud or stupefy; to render stupid with liquor; to intoxicate partially. 

  • To mix together, to mix up; to confuse. 

  • To make turbid or muddy. 

  • To waste or misuse, as one does who is stupid or intoxicated. 

noun
  • A mixture of crushed ingredients, as prepared with a muddler. 

  • A mixture; a confusion; a garble. 

How often have the words jam and muddle occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )