gig
UK[ɡɪɡ]US[ɡɪɡ]
n
A live performance by a musician or group playing popular or jazz music.
n
A job, especially a temporary one for a musician, performer, or other freelance worker.
v
To perform a gig.
Etymology
The word 'gig' presents an etymological puzzle typical of slang. First appearing in the 1920s among jazz musicians, its origin is obscure but is widely believed to be imitative, perhaps evoking the lively, rhythmic sound of the music itself or the quick, energetic nature of the performance. By the 1950s, its meaning expanded beyond music to denote any temporary or freelance job, reflecting the itinerant and project-based lifestyle of performers. This evolution from a specific musical context to a general term for temporary work showcases how professional jargon enters the broader lexicon, carrying with it the connotations of its original, vibrant milieu.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. It is a 20th-century American English slang term of unknown, but likely onomatopoeic or imitative, origin.
Examples
The band has a gig at the local club every Friday night.
She picked up a freelance graphic design gig to supplement her income.
After years of practicing, he finally gigged with a professional jazz quartet.