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Jive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Jive is a lively style of dance or music, often associated with swing. It can also mean slang or deceptive talk, as in Don’t give me that jive. The term conveys energy or insincerity.

jive

/dʒaɪv/ /dʒaɪv/

Definition:

A lively style of dance or music; also means to talk in a misleading or exaggerated way.

Synonyms:

swing, boogie, banter, chatter

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

truth, sincerity

Common Collocations:

jive music, jive dance, jive talk, jive turkey

Derivatives:

jiver, jiving

Usage Tips:

Use "jive" for dance/music or deceptive talk; ensure context clarifies meaning to avoid confusion.

Common Phrases:

jive turkey, don't give me that jive, in the jive

Etymology:

Originated in African American slang in the 1920s, possibly from "jev" meaning "talk" in West African languages.

Examples:

  • 1. They danced the jive all night at the party.
  • 2. His story sounded like jive to me—I didn’t believe a word.
  • 3. She loves listening to old jive records from the 1940s.
  • 4. Stop your jive and tell me the truth!

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