Definition of jive

The word "jive" has a rich and complex history. Originating in the early 20th century, it is believed to have come from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) dialect. In AAVE, "jive" referred to a type of African American music, particularly big band and swing music, in the 1920s to 1940s. Over time, the word took on a broader meaning, including the connotation of nonsense speech or talk. In the 1940s and 1950s, "jive" became a slang term to describe mistaken or false information. This usage was popularized by African American musicians, such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, who used the term in their songs and discussions. By the 1960s and 1970s, the word "jive" had become a common expression in American pop culture, often used to describe something as deceitful or insincere. Today, the word remains a part of American slang, with multiple meanings and connotations.