jive

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz
  2. verb dance to jive music; dance the jive

Etymology

Unknown. Slang attested in African-American and rural American culture. Frequently used to imply lying, verbal deception or trickery. Has a possible historical antecedent in gyve (“shackle”). Alternatively, of African origin, compare Wolof jev, jeu (“to talk about someone absent, especially in a disparaging manner”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

swing, swing music

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