Jive

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdÊ’aɪv/
• Rhymes: -aɪv

Unknown.

Slang attested in African-American and rural-American culture. Frequently used to imply lying, verbal deception or trickery.

Possible historical antecedent: see gyve

Full definition of jive

Verb

1. To speak using a jibe or interconnected jibes.
2. (transitive, intransitive, US, colloquial) To deceive; to be deceptive.Don’t try to jive me! I know where you were last night!
3. (intransitive, colloquial) To dance.You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life; ooh, see that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the dancing queen! (ABBA, "")

Noun

1. A dance style popular in the 1940–50s.
2. Swing, a style of jazz music.
3. A slang associated with jazz musicians; hepcat patois or hipster jargon.
4. (US, colloquial) Nonsense; transparently deceptive talk.Don’t give me that jive. I know where you were last night.

Verb

1. (US) Alternative spelling of jibe

Usage notes

"Jive" and "jibe" have been used interchangeably in the U.S. to indicate the concept "to agree or accord." While one recent dictionary accepts this usage of "jive," most sources consider it to be in error.

See also jive turkey for related expression.