gig: what does it mean?

Dayna Wills · Post by **Dayna Wills** » 29 Aug 2011 5:04 pm

A long time ago someone posted the meaning of the word gig and where it originated. Would someone give me that info again?
Thanks,

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 29 Aug 2011 10:41 pm

Looked for some info on the origin of "gig" and it seems there is no conclusive answer, but one that some believe is that during the 20's musicians who managed to get work would say "God is good" and gig became the acronymn. Some say that the French word "gigue", meaning ball or dance is the origin, but no accepted dictionary cites this as the origin.

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 30 Aug 2011 6:57 am

"Gigue" is supposedly a French dance that derives from the English "jig". It later came to be used to describe the event where that dance would performed.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 30 Aug 2011 7:16 am

I think it has something to do with killing frogs...

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 30 Aug 2011 8:00 am

Wow, Jim I think I heard a rim shot way over here in Seattle.

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 30 Aug 2011 1:21 pm

The story I heard, from my collage music history class, was it came from a small single horse, pony, or donkey pulled cart called a Gig.
Around 95-100 years ago the city of New Orleans made it illegal for those of African descent to play on street corners or sidewalks, and even most clubs, for money or tips. So to get around the law some of the musicians started riding down the streets in little "Gig" carts. When other players saw that was their only chance to make money playing music in New Orleans, they started asking who had a "Gig" that they could use to play for tips. If someone new came to town some of the other players would offer them a "Gig" to use so they could make money playing music.

Dayna Wills · Post by **Dayna Wills** » 30 Aug 2011 6:23 pm

Dave H. Someone said GOD was Get On Down....????Maybe it's Gospel...
Tony G. I can see where jig and gig works.
Jim C. Only you.
Alvin B. I like the idea of the gig "cart", some of the laws way back when and ANYWHERE makes one wonder, what were they thinking?
Thanks. I needed to know that.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 30 Aug 2011 9:44 pm

daynawills wrote: Jim C. Only you.

Hey, good title for a song, DW!

Dayna Wills · Post by **Dayna Wills** » 30 Aug 2011 10:13 pm

How about "Only ME?"
BTW, how ya doin'?
Gary and I are fine. He retired in May, so he is able to come with me on my WS treks. In Nov. we're going to Wagoner, OK for a 3 day WS event.
Are you doing any more recording?
DW

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 18 Oct 2011 6:52 pm

I've read that 'gig' is a corruption of 'engagement," something that could only happen in America.

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gig: what does it mean?

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