jigging
UK[ˈdʒɪɡɪŋ]US[ˈdʒɪɡɪŋ]
n
the action of dancing a jig, a lively folk dance.
n
the action of using a jig, a device that holds a piece of work and guides the tools operating on it.
n
a fishing technique using a lure that is jerked up and down in the water.
Morpheme Breakdown
jig
ing
jig
to move quickly
ing
verbal noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'jigging' is built upon the root 'jig', whose origins are obscure but are widely believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking a quick, jerking, or bouncing motion. this imitative root gave rise to the name for a lively, leaping dance in the 16th century. the '-ing' suffix, descending from old english '-ung' or '-ing', transforms the verb into a noun denoting the action or practice itself. consequently, 'jigging' logically extends from the core concept of rapid, jerky movement to describe the act of performing the dance, operating a guiding tool that moves with a similar motion, or manipulating a fishing lure with sharp, vertical pulls.
Analysis
Structure: jig (to move quickly) + ing (verbal noun suffix)
jig (origin uncertain, likely imitative; functional role: root verb meaning to move with quick, jerky motions). ing (old english; functional role: suffix forming the gerund or present participle).
Examples
the lively music had everyone jigging around the room.
the machinist was jigging the component to ensure precise drilling.
we spent the afternoon jigging for mackerel off the pier.