jive
UK[dʒaɪv]US[dʒaɪv]
n
a lively style of dance popular especially in the 1940s and 1950s, performed to swing music or rock and roll.
n
a style of jazz music characterized by a strong rhythm and use of improvisation.
n
(informal, often disapproving) talk that is not serious or sincere.
v
to dance the jive.
v
(informal, often disapproving) to talk to someone in a way that is not serious or sincere.
Etymology
the etymology of 'jive' is uncertain but points to origins within african american communities in the early 20th century. it first emerged in the 1920s as a slang term in jazz culture, referring to misleading or exaggerated talk. this sense naturally extended to the energetic, deceptive style of dance and music associated with the same vibrant subculture. the word's journey from specialized argot to mainstream english, while retaining its core connotations of lively insincerity and rhythmic movement, exemplifies the dynamic influence of african american arts on global language.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. its origin is obscure, but it is likely from african american vernacular english.
Examples
they spent the evening dancing the jive to classic rock and roll records.
he was talking a lot of jive just to impress the crowd.
don't jive me—tell me what really happened.