Klarinet Archive - Posting 000988.txt from 2002/06

From: "Forest E. Aten Jr." <forestaten@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Gig
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 11:50:47 -0400

gig 2 [gig ] noun (plural gigs) (informal)

1. musical performance: a performance by a musician or group of musicians
at a place where they are booked to play but do not regularly perform

2. temporary job: a temporary or short-term job

intransitive verb (past gigged, past participle gigged, present participle
gig·ging, 3rd person present singular gigs)
play a gig: to give a musical performance to an audience in exchange for
payment (informal)

[Early 20th century. Origin unknown.]

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What is the derivation of the word "gig"? Is it really correct to lump
performances of all sorts --- orchestra, dance band, rock-and-roll,
parade, recital, etc --- under the single name of "gig"?

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