Jive: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'jive' originated in the early 20th century, primarily from African American slang.
• Initially, it referred to a style of jazz music and the associated dance that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s.
• It is often linked with the Afro-American vernacular; the term evolved from 'jive talk', which conveys playful or deceptive speech.

Music and Dance

• Jive is a lively dance style characterized by upbeat tempos and energetic movements, often performed to swing music.
• In competitive dance circles, jive became recognized as one of the five Latin dance styles in ballroom dancing.
• The famous film 'Saturday Night Fever' showcased the jive, further popularizing its dance moves worldwide.

Pop Culture

• Jive was prominently featured in early hip-hop culture, where artists often spoke in upbeat, rhythmic tones.
• The 1980s film 'Airplane!' humorously included a scene featuring two characters speaking in jive, showcasing playful interpretations of the slang.
• The song 'Jive Talkin'' by the Bee Gees topped the charts in the mid-1970s, cementing the term in popular music.

Social Communication

• In informal contexts, 'to jive' means to tease or talk jokingly with friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Using 'jive talk' can imply a sound that’s catchy and entertaining, often found in party settings or cultural gatherings.
• Some people may use the term to describe deceptive or misleading speech, highlighting a playful use of language.

Cultural Significance

• Jive symbolizes freedom of expression in dance and speech, especially in African American history during the jazz age.
• It has been instrumental in the formation of various modern dance forms, influencing styles like rock and roll and swing.
• Jive dancing promotes social interaction and community bonding, reflecting its roots in vibrant music and culture.

This word's position of #33,177 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

• ...
• 33174 astrolabe
• 33175 untypical
• 33176 prudery
• 33177 jive
• 33178 monger
• 33179 busying
• 33180 vaccinating
• ...