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Swing Slang
"Swing", like most fields of endeavor, also has it's own special lexicon. Once used mostly by
the musician's themselves, the slang has now become a part of the greater society. And, what
is even more remarkable, is the way the language has prospered. It is still widely used today,
AND growing. 18 Karat "Pure Gold"
Ex: "He's 18 karat."
Ace One dollar; Dollar's worth, one, first rate
Ex: "He's 'Ace' with me. (He's 'First Rate')
Ex: "Slip me an Ace, Gate." (Let me have a dollar.)
Air-check An actual radio or television performance
caught on tape; as opposed to a work done
in a recording studio
Alligator Originally, a slang term for "Musician".
Very early in Jazz history, musicians referred
to themselves as "alligators". Now it simply refers
to any Swing Devotee (abbrev. 'Gator or Gate)
Ex: 'Cat' #1: See ya later, alligator.
'Cat' #2: After a while, crocodile.
Axe ANY musical instrument.
Ex: Man, - what do you think of my new Axe?
Ball To enjoy
Ex: We had a 'Ball' when Tommy Dorsey played.
Baby A term of endearment. (for either sex.)
Ex: Say, "baby," I got us some "bread",
let's "move" downtown.
Bad Good
Ex: That dude does some "bad" ass playing.
Bag Delight - joy, etc.
Ex: Man, Jazz is my 'bag'. I 'dig' it the most!
Ex: Man, - Tommy Dorsey's "Well Git It" is my "Bag".
Balloon lungs A Brass player with good breath control.
That cat has "balloon lungs," he held that note
for one complete minute!
Barn Burner Frank Sinatra's slang for a classy "doll"
(woman). Today, it's applied to anything good.
Ex: "My 'Doll' is one real "Barn Burner."
Barrelhouse Colloquialism describing the 'low' saloons
at the turn of the century (19th) that
served whiskey straight out of the barrel.
Originally, "Barrelhouse Music" was the
type of piano music (also called 'Fast
Western') played in those cabarets.
Beat May be used as:
Adjective: Exhausted or tired.
Ex: I'm "beat". We've been gigging since dawn.
Noun: The time or timing.
Ex: The band played with a solid beat.
Big Apple New York City.
Ex: He's working at Roseland Ballroom in the 'Apple'.
Birdbrain Common slang for someone whose
thinking was a little muddy.
Blow A jazzman's term for playing an(y) instrument.
Ex: 'Satchmo' really "blows."
Blow your top Expresses both:
exasperation
Ex: Hey man, I know it's tough, but don't
"blow your top." (sometimes: "Don't Flip your wig.")
enthusiasm
Ex: I "Blew My Top" when Benny Goodman played.
Blue Notes Flatted 3rd and 7th notes are the definition
of the "blues scale".
(The) Bomb "Real cool".
Ex: Kenton's "Peanut Vendor" is "the bomb." Boogie Man A critic. (Dates back to the mid-1930s.) Ex: That "boogie man" knocked Basie's "One O'Clock Jump". Boogie Woogie A piano form (popularized in late-1920s Chicago) that uses a steady eight beat ostinato in the left hand. Today, the expression 'Boogie' has a sexual connotation. Ex: Hey, Baby, let's "boogie on down." Bounce A happy musical Beat (time). (Businessman's Bounce: A fast and nervous two-beat; it's now an obsolete expression.) Bread Money. Ex: You come up with the "bread"; we'll make the gig. Break Passage in music with the Rhythm suspended. Break it down In a real groove. Ex: They were "breaking it down" on "One O'Clock Jump" Bring Down As a verb - to depress. Ex: He "brings me down" with all that Blues playing. As an adjective - one who depresses. Ex: Let's cut out of here. This is a real "bring down." Note: also used as one word: bringdown. Bug Annoy. Ex: He "bug's" me. Burning Verb describing a sideman's technically excellent - and emotional - solo. Ex: Ziggy Elman's solo was "burning." Bust Your Conk To be carefree Ex: "Check out Charlie Barnet's gig tonight. You'll really 'bust your conk'." Canary A Female Vocalist. (Also: 'Thrush' and 'Warbler'.) Cans A Radio man's expression for Earphones. Dates back to the early 1920s when earphones were as large as small cans. Ex: Put these cans on and listen to this tape track. Cats Jazzmen, or people who love Jazz. Ex: Man, them "cats" are really blowin' up a storm. Changes Originally a Black musician's term for Chord progressions. Ex: Say Man, do you have the "changes" for "Stardust". Character Someone with an unusual personality. Ex: He certainly is a "character." Chase Two sidemen with alternating Solos. Chick A young, pretty girl (See "Frail", "Fly Chick"; "Barn Burner"). Ex: Man, that "chick" is a real Barn-Burner. Chills A real thrill. Ex: Listening to Benny Goodman "chills" me. Chirp To sing. Ex: That 'Canary' knew how to "chirp". Chops Originally, used by Black Hornplayers to describe the state of their false teeth or Lips. Generally speaking, it refers to the musician's technical skill. Ex: Wow. That Ziggy Elman has great "chops". Ex: My Chops is "beat" from all those high C's tonight. Clams Goofs by a sideman. Ex: Man did you hear all his "clams" on that tune. Clambake A Jazz "Jam" session. Ex: Man, them Cats had a real Clambake at the gig last night. Clinker A wrong note. (Also called a "fluff".) Ex: Cat 1: That was some "clinker" he had in the 2nd chorus. Cat 2: Yeah man, he really 'fluffed' it. Collar all jive Understand the subleties Ex: Man, I dug Claude Thornhill last night, and 'collared all his jive'." Comes On Par Excellence! Ex: The show "comes on" like gangbusters! Combo The diminutive for "Combination"; a small group. Ex: Goodman's small "combos" are sensational. Cool Originated (1950s) West Coast. Describes a restrained intellectual, rather than emotional, approach to music. Ex: Stan Getz plays some real "cool" jazz. Now a widely used superlative. Ex: He's one "cool" cat. Copacetic Agreeable Ex: Things are really copacetic here. Crazy Another jazz superlative. Ex: Listen to that "crazy" beat the band's 'laying down'. Crib Very Sparsely appointed Apartment. (See "pad") Ex: Come on up to my "crib" and relax. ("Cheap" whore houses often had just very small cubicles, furnished only with a cot. In the vernacular of the day, they were referred to as 'cribs' and the establishment as a 'crib house'.) Cut To leave or depart. (aka: "cut out") Ex: Let's "cut out". To outdo another person Ex: Charlie's solo really "cut" that cat last night. A battle of the bands. Ex: Basie and Lunceford's band had a real 'cuttin'contest' last night. Daddy-o One hipster's way of addressing another hipster. Ex: Hey, "daddy-o", what's cookin'? Dark Angry or upset (used in the Midwest). Ex: They were in a "dark" mood when he was late for the gig. Dig To understand - to get the point - to like. Ex: Hey, 'daddy-o', "dig" this crazy music. Dog (around) Follow Ex: "That 'cat' was 'doggin' me all night long." Drape/Dry Goods Clothes (Also: Threads) Ex: Man, I did that Cat's Drape. Ex: Man, dig these Dry Goods. How do you like the Drape? Dukes Not strickly a Jazz expression, - hands. Ex: He had his Dukes full. -handling the crowd. DJ, DeeJay Short for Disk Jockey. Originally, a radio announcer who hosted record playing show. Now also a party host who has no band, just plays records. Ex: That "DJ" spins some cool Cookies (disks). Down by Law The earned respect for talent or ability to "get down." Ex: After all those years of work, his success was "down by law." Drag Depressing a person's spirits. Ex: He's a real "drag." Drive To play with real concentrated emotion. End Still another Superlative. (See "Cool"; "too much" or "crazy.") Ex: The way Benny blows his licorice stick (clarinet) is the living, breathing "end." Fall In Arrive on the scene Ex: "I 'fell in' with 'Duke' at the Apollo Theater last night." Fall Out Exiting Ex: "Man, when they brought on the Musical Saw, I 'fell out'." Finger Zinger Playing very fast, or music written to be played fast. Ex: The "Minute Waltz" is a real "Finger Zinger". Flip To Act or think in a crazy (eccentric) manner. Ex: I really "flipped" listening to all that Jazz. Flip your lid See "Blow your top." Ex: I "flipped my lid" listening to Benny Goodman." Fly Smooth or slick. Ex: Man, that was a "fly" solo. Fly Chick Attractive female Ex: Man, dig that Fly Chick over there. Fracture To deeply affect (usually humorously) someone. Ex: Man, your jokes "fracture" me. Frail A Lady; A "Chick". (Also see: "Main Squeeze" ) Ex: Man, dig that frail. Freak Lip Describing a musician who can play endlessly. Ex: Man, he 'balled' all night, and 'blew' them away at the next day's concert. What a pair of "freak Lips". Frisking the Whiskers Warming up prior to a session. Ex: He arrived early and started "frisking the whiskers". Four Beat Four even Beats Per bar of music. "Two Beats" is also four beat time, but with the 1st and 3rd (or 2nd and 4th) beats accentuated. Gangbusters Powerful Ex: Man, did you dig Benny wailing last night, - He came on like 'Gangbusters'." Gas A performance that moves you. Ex: The way he 'wails' is a real "gas." (or Gasser) Gate or Gator Jazz musician. Originally used as a loving and warm description of Louis Armstrong. Folks said his mouth was as large as a "Satchel", from which came one of his nick-names -"Satchmo". He was also called "Gate Mouth", referring to an 'Alligator's mouth' (see Alligator definition above) above) from which we get the expression "Gate" or "Gator" - originally denoting a person as a musician, but today it denotes anyone. Ex: 'Skin me' "Gate". (Shake hands) Get Down Musically: Superlative playing. He really "gets down" on that horn. Sexually: Baby, let's amble on over to my pad and we'll "get down". Gig May be used as a : Noun: A paying job. Ex: I've got a "gig" next Monday night. Verb: To Play a job. Ex: I'll be gigging at the club saturday night. Gimme some skin Shake hands. (aka: Skin me!) Glims The Eyes. Also 'to look' (aka: Glom) ex: Glim this sheet of music. ex: That frail has great glimmers Gone Another Jazz superlative. Ex: He's one "gone" cat. Have one's boots on Hip; wise; know what's happening Ex: That cat has his boots on. Groovy Denotes music that really swings. ('Groove' is a Musician's term for Rhythm) Ex: Man, dig that "groovy" beat. Gutbucket Two meanings. 1. Barrelhouse 2. Crude Bass made with upturned washtub using a stick, with one string, attached to the bottom end. A. A Barrelhouse was a low type saloon used where drinking and dancing were the main attactions. B. A rhythmic style of Jazz or Blues. (Listen to the early Dixieland tune "Gutbucket Blues".) Ergo: A style of music associated with saloons and other low establishments. Hame A Job not in the Music Business. Hand me some skin To Shake Hands Ex: "Skin" me Gate. Ex: "Hand me some skin", gate. Head Arrangement An unwritten "arrangement". The band's sidemen just agree on the Chordal progression (Changes) and order of music and solos. Ex: The band sounded choppy because it was a "Head". Heat Solo space. Ex: Hey, gate, give me some "heat" on 'Jersey Bounce'! Hepcat Originally a musician in a Swing Band. Ex: Satchmo is one hep cat! Now, anyone who likes Swing music. Ex: That "hepcat" loves to jive. Hip To know; to understand. Ex: Man, he's one "Hip" cat. (Understands the music) Ex: I'm hip to your bluff. (understands a ploy.) Hipster Someone who knows and loves Swing Music. Ex: The "Hipsters" really packed that concert hall. Horn Usually a brass or reed instrument. Ex: Man, he blows a mean "horn". Hot Originally, the "Chicago" style of Dixieland Jazz was called 'Hot Jazz' due to it's driving character vs the easy going ensemble New Orleans style. In the 1950s, the term "Cool" Jazz came into common use to denote music that was more intellectual, rather than emotional. Ex: That cat blew one "Hot" solo on his break. A Hot Plate A "Hit" recording. Ex: RCA has a real "hot plate" with that record. I'm Booted Hip; Understand. Ex: Gotcha, daddy-o, "I'm booted." In the Groove Really Good! Ex: Benny's solo was really "in the groove!" In the Mix The group; The happening. Ex: With that cat "in the mix", we can't fail. In The Pocket When a band's rhythm section really grooves. Ex: They were really "in the pocket", tonight. Ivories Piano Keys. (They were originally made of Ivory.) Ex: Listen to that cat tickling the Ivories. Jack The Diminutive of "Jackson". A person. The Jazz equivalent of "Mac" or of "Bud". (Sometimes used in a negative manner.) Ex: Hey "Jack", don't dominate this gig. Ex: Hit the road, "Jack." Jackson A Male friend Ex: I Dig Ya Jackson. Jake Okay. Ex: That's "Jake" with me. Ex: He's "Jake" with me. Jam Playing (hot). (Usually: to Improvise.) Ex: That band was "jamming" tonight. Jam Session A spontaneous get together (often after hours) of sidemen freely improvising on pop tunes - just soloing on "head" arrangements. Ex: There's always an after hours "Jam Session" there. Jazz Box A "Jazz guitar". Ex: Les Paul's "Jazz Box" is usually a Fender. Jitterbug A 1940s description of "jittery", Swing dancers. Ex: Watch those "Jitterbugs" doing a mean Lindy Hop. Jittersauce Alcohol (drinking -not rubbing- variety) Jive May be used as a: Noun - an odd form of speech. Ex: That "Jive" doesn't fool me. Verb - to fool someone. Ex: Stop "Jiving" me, will you. Adjective - phoney or fake. Ex: He's one "Jive" dude. Perjorative. Someone not well liked. JAMF - Jive A-- Mother F----R. Joe Below A musician who plays for less than Union scale pay. Ex: How can you 'turn a buck' when "Joe Below" plays almost for free? Jump To have a good time. Ex: The 'joint' was really "jumping" last night. Kicks Pleasure. Ex: I get my "Kicks" listening to Goodman. Kill Sheer delight. Ex: You "kill" me, man. (Also, You "Slay" me man.) Kill it stop (doing something) Ex: That sounds terrible, "kill it". Killer 'Red Hot' musician, dancer, or music fan. Ex: Man, Dig "Killer" Joe's dancing. Ex: He's a 'Killer'. King Kong Cheap Moonshine (whiskey) Ex: Slip me 3 fingers of that 'King Kong'. kopasetic Nice. Good. Ex: The Count's solo was Kopasetic. Lame or Lamer Something, or someone. that doesn't quite 'cut' it. Ex: Those cats were layin' down some "lame" music. Ex: That "Lamer" just can't cut it. Latch On To "Dig". Catch On. Join in. Ex: He "latched on" when Benny started wailing. Laying Down Playing music (or sincere talk). Ex: I was listening to Benny 'laying down' some 'hot licks' on "Jersey Bounce". Licks, hot licks A musical phrase or solo. Ex: That cat can 'lay down' some "hot licks." Ex: I really got my "Licks" in on that tune. Licorice Stick A Clarinet Ex: Benny Goodman knew what to do with his "licorice stick"? Lindy Hop THE dance of the Swing Era, and of the new Millennium also. Originally, the dancers did "hop" to the music, but later, it was refined somewhat. Some very wild gyrations were added, including precision pairs dancing; "splits"; throwing one's partner in the air; and others. The dancers were later nicknamed "Jitterbugs". Long Hair Lover of Classical Music. Ex: He doesn't dig Benny. He's a "long hair." Main Squeeze A favorite girl-friend Ex: Linda's my 'main squeeze'. Mickey Mouse Term to describe an Orchestra that uses some sort of gimmick to attract listeners. Also used to the music played by such an orchestra. Ex: The band didn't 'Jump', they played Mickey Mouse. Muggin(g) Playing around. Having fun. Murder Superdooper. Excellent, Ex: She said 'Let's dance.' I said "Murder!" Ex: His solo was "solid Murder!" Nicksieland A New York City Colloquialism, - now totally obsolete. It was used in reference to the music played by the small groups at a club called "Nick's" (in the Greenwich Village are of New York city. Noodlin' Just playing notes and phrases with no particular meaning Ex: Stop "noodlin" around man. Let's get working. Off-Beat Originally, a weak or un-accented beat. Now also used to describe something out of the normal. ex: His playing of the song was really "off-beat". Off-time Jive Incorrect Ex: That story sounds like "off-time Jive" to me. Out to Lunch Absent Minded; Not paying attention. Ex: He's was "out to lunch" that night and played poorly. Pad Usually just a sparsely furnished apartment. The expression was coined not by musicians, but by the "Hippie" generation. The early 'hippies' would rent a room with no furniture; throw a Futon - a "pad" - on the floor, where they would sit and sleep and eat on it. (See also "Crib" above.) Ex: Some of the cats will be jamming at my "Pad" tonight. Peck Horn Tuba Plant you now and dig you later "Gotta" Go Ex: Plant you now and dig you later, Gator! Popsicle Stick A sax player's reed. Ex: I used a great "popsicle stick" at that gig. Queen A Pretty lady. Reeds Saxophones and Clarinets and other instruments that use a bamboo 'reed' to make sound. Ride A Hot Solo part. Ex: Joe, - you take the 2nd chorus ride. Ex: Did you hear Joe Riding during the chorus? Riff A 2 or 4 bar musical phrase. (Riffs really define Swing.) Righteous A 'real' Jazzman. A very good musician. Ex: Benny Goodman - the 'Righteous' King of Swing. Ex: Bix Beidebecke: a righteous Cornetist. Rock Another superlative. Ex: Basie "rocked" on One O'Clock Jump. Ex: "Rock Me" with the old time rhythm. Rock and Roll Describes the old 1950's music, but originally slang for sex. Ex: Baby, stop jivin' me, -let's "rock and roll." Rug Cutter Swing dancers - Jitterbug. Ex: That cat is one cool Rugcutter. Sackbutt A trombone. Actually very early (Middle Ages) instrument from which the modern trombone derives. (Sackbutt, Psaltery and Dulcimer) The expression was still used in New Orleans (1900s) where "A New Orleans funeral procession ain't nothin' without a "sackbutt." Salty Angry. Scat Nonsense syllables used in place of Lyrics. Ex: Ella Fitgerald was the "Scat" singing queen. Scene A place. Ex: Let's make the "Scene" at Birdland tonight. Schmaltz (Actually the Jewish word for Chicken fat.) In Jazz, a term denoting sweet -not hot - music. Ex: That band doesn't jump, they're into "Schmaltz". Screwin' the Pooch A series of bad mistakes while playing. Ex: He was really "screwin' the pooch" on "Stardust" last night. Send to stimulate. (a good feeling) Ex: Man, that cat really "sends" me. Sharp High Fashion. Ex: He's one "sharp" looking cat in his Zoot suit. Shroud-Tailor Undertaker Ex: The family called the local 'Shroud-tailor'. sideman One of the musicians in the band. Skins The drums. An animal's pelt was the original drum head. Slip Me Some Skin Handshake. Ex: "Slip me some skin" Jack. Ex: Skin me, Jackson. Slide Give or Hand one something or some information. Ex: "Slide" me the score of that tune, Jack. Sliphorn Musical slang for the Trombone (aka: tailgate horn due to the sideman's position in the early horse drawn wagons. aka: Slide horn) Smokin' To Put one's heart and soul into playing. Ex: Ziggy Elman was really "smokin'" that night. Snap your cap Same as "Blow your top." Ex: Calm down. Don't "snap your cap". Solid Another swing-era superlative meaning Good or great. Ex: "Solid", jackson! (Good work.) Ex: "Some of you cats are not on the beam. I know what's wrong, you've been cooking with cream. Now if you want a beat that's "Solid" and hard, Then Fry me mama with a can of Lard" --(Bradley Orch. Tune Lyric) Squeak Box Violin
Squeeze Box Accordion Square An "Unhip" person. (One who does not "Dig") Ex: That cat is real "square." Standard A Song that has become a "classic". Sugar Band A "Sweet" music band, - with vibrato and glissando galore. Sweet Music Music which never deviates from the melody. Swing The great music of the 1930s to 1940s, and again in late 1998 and into the 2000 millenium. It is symbolized by a sensational beat with the melody usually played against a background 'Riff'. Tag A tune ending; repeating the last phrase three times. Take Five Originally, a short five minute break. Ex: OK everyone. Let's "take five." The End A Superlative - (also see: 'crazy'.) Ex: Man, that cat's the living, breathing "end". Threads Clothing (Also see Drape/Dry Goods) Ex: Cat 1. Man, dig that cat's new Threads. Cat 2. I dig the Drape. Too much Another Jazz superlative. Ex: Lee Wiley's singing is "too much." Torch A song, or singer, expressing unrequited love. Ex: "My Man" is a real "torch" song. Ex: Peggy Lee was a real "Torch". Train Wreck The moment when one of the sidemen gets "lost" in the middle of a tune. Truck A 'walking' figure in the Lindy Hop dance. Ex: Let's "truck" on down to the ballroom. Ex: Man! See that couple "truckin'" on the dancefloor. Tubs The drum set. Ex: Listen to Krupa pounding those "tubs.". Two's and Fews Small Change, Very little money Ex: Man, I only had some 'Two's and fews' on me. Two Beat Four-four time played with a steady two ground beats on the bass drum. Wail Playing extremely well. Ex: Benny really "Wailed" on 'Sing, Sing, Sing'. Walking bass or walking rhythm A four-beat Bass rhythm pattern. Often called "Kansas City Walking Bass". Wax a disc Record a tune(s). Wig, Wig out To flip Ex: There was no reason; he just "wigged out." Wild Astonishing or amazing. (also see: Too Much) Ex: He plays a really "wild" trumpet. Witch Doctor A member of the clergy. (A Truly Apt description.) Wooden Kimono Coffin Ex: We all chipped in to buy the 'wooden kimono'. Woodshed (or Shed) To practice. Ex: He was in the "Wood Shed" all night. Wrong Riff Doing the wrong thing. Ex: Man, - you're coming on with the "wrong riff". Zoot A true Swing era expression describing exaggerated clothing, - especially the "Zoot" suit.
Taken from: http://www.nfo.net/usa/slang.html
the musician's themselves, the slang has now become a part of the greater society. And, what
is even more remarkable, is the way the language has prospered. It is still widely used today,
AND growing. 18 Karat "Pure Gold"
Ex: "He's 18 karat."
Ace One dollar; Dollar's worth, one, first rate
Ex: "He's 'Ace' with me. (He's 'First Rate')
Ex: "Slip me an Ace, Gate." (Let me have a dollar.)
Air-check An actual radio or television performance
caught on tape; as opposed to a work done
in a recording studio
Alligator Originally, a slang term for "Musician".
Very early in Jazz history, musicians referred
to themselves as "alligators". Now it simply refers
to any Swing Devotee (abbrev. 'Gator or Gate)
Ex: 'Cat' #1: See ya later, alligator.
'Cat' #2: After a while, crocodile.
Axe ANY musical instrument.
Ex: Man, - what do you think of my new Axe?
Ball To enjoy
Ex: We had a 'Ball' when Tommy Dorsey played.
Baby A term of endearment. (for either sex.)
Ex: Say, "baby," I got us some "bread",
let's "move" downtown.
Bad Good
Ex: That dude does some "bad" ass playing.
Bag Delight - joy, etc.
Ex: Man, Jazz is my 'bag'. I 'dig' it the most!
Ex: Man, - Tommy Dorsey's "Well Git It" is my "Bag".
Balloon lungs A Brass player with good breath control.
That cat has "balloon lungs," he held that note
for one complete minute!
Barn Burner Frank Sinatra's slang for a classy "doll"
(woman). Today, it's applied to anything good.
Ex: "My 'Doll' is one real "Barn Burner."
Barrelhouse Colloquialism describing the 'low' saloons
at the turn of the century (19th) that
served whiskey straight out of the barrel.
Originally, "Barrelhouse Music" was the
type of piano music (also called 'Fast
Western') played in those cabarets.
Beat May be used as:
Adjective: Exhausted or tired.
Ex: I'm "beat". We've been gigging since dawn.
Noun: The time or timing.
Ex: The band played with a solid beat.
Big Apple New York City.
Ex: He's working at Roseland Ballroom in the 'Apple'.
Birdbrain Common slang for someone whose
thinking was a little muddy.
Blow A jazzman's term for playing an(y) instrument.
Ex: 'Satchmo' really "blows."
Blow your top Expresses both:
exasperation
Ex: Hey man, I know it's tough, but don't
"blow your top." (sometimes: "Don't Flip your wig.")
enthusiasm
Ex: I "Blew My Top" when Benny Goodman played.
Blue Notes Flatted 3rd and 7th notes are the definition
of the "blues scale".
(The) Bomb "Real cool".
Ex: Kenton's "Peanut Vendor" is "the bomb." Boogie Man A critic. (Dates back to the mid-1930s.) Ex: That "boogie man" knocked Basie's "One O'Clock Jump". Boogie Woogie A piano form (popularized in late-1920s Chicago) that uses a steady eight beat ostinato in the left hand. Today, the expression 'Boogie' has a sexual connotation. Ex: Hey, Baby, let's "boogie on down." Bounce A happy musical Beat (time). (Businessman's Bounce: A fast and nervous two-beat; it's now an obsolete expression.) Bread Money. Ex: You come up with the "bread"; we'll make the gig. Break Passage in music with the Rhythm suspended. Break it down In a real groove. Ex: They were "breaking it down" on "One O'Clock Jump" Bring Down As a verb - to depress. Ex: He "brings me down" with all that Blues playing. As an adjective - one who depresses. Ex: Let's cut out of here. This is a real "bring down." Note: also used as one word: bringdown. Bug Annoy. Ex: He "bug's" me. Burning Verb describing a sideman's technically excellent - and emotional - solo. Ex: Ziggy Elman's solo was "burning." Bust Your Conk To be carefree Ex: "Check out Charlie Barnet's gig tonight. You'll really 'bust your conk'." Canary A Female Vocalist. (Also: 'Thrush' and 'Warbler'.) Cans A Radio man's expression for Earphones. Dates back to the early 1920s when earphones were as large as small cans. Ex: Put these cans on and listen to this tape track. Cats Jazzmen, or people who love Jazz. Ex: Man, them "cats" are really blowin' up a storm. Changes Originally a Black musician's term for Chord progressions. Ex: Say Man, do you have the "changes" for "Stardust". Character Someone with an unusual personality. Ex: He certainly is a "character." Chase Two sidemen with alternating Solos. Chick A young, pretty girl (See "Frail", "Fly Chick"; "Barn Burner"). Ex: Man, that "chick" is a real Barn-Burner. Chills A real thrill. Ex: Listening to Benny Goodman "chills" me. Chirp To sing. Ex: That 'Canary' knew how to "chirp". Chops Originally, used by Black Hornplayers to describe the state of their false teeth or Lips. Generally speaking, it refers to the musician's technical skill. Ex: Wow. That Ziggy Elman has great "chops". Ex: My Chops is "beat" from all those high C's tonight. Clams Goofs by a sideman. Ex: Man did you hear all his "clams" on that tune. Clambake A Jazz "Jam" session. Ex: Man, them Cats had a real Clambake at the gig last night. Clinker A wrong note. (Also called a "fluff".) Ex: Cat 1: That was some "clinker" he had in the 2nd chorus. Cat 2: Yeah man, he really 'fluffed' it. Collar all jive Understand the subleties Ex: Man, I dug Claude Thornhill last night, and 'collared all his jive'." Comes On Par Excellence! Ex: The show "comes on" like gangbusters! Combo The diminutive for "Combination"; a small group. Ex: Goodman's small "combos" are sensational. Cool Originated (1950s) West Coast. Describes a restrained intellectual, rather than emotional, approach to music. Ex: Stan Getz plays some real "cool" jazz. Now a widely used superlative. Ex: He's one "cool" cat. Copacetic Agreeable Ex: Things are really copacetic here. Crazy Another jazz superlative. Ex: Listen to that "crazy" beat the band's 'laying down'. Crib Very Sparsely appointed Apartment. (See "pad") Ex: Come on up to my "crib" and relax. ("Cheap" whore houses often had just very small cubicles, furnished only with a cot. In the vernacular of the day, they were referred to as 'cribs' and the establishment as a 'crib house'.) Cut To leave or depart. (aka: "cut out") Ex: Let's "cut out". To outdo another person Ex: Charlie's solo really "cut" that cat last night. A battle of the bands. Ex: Basie and Lunceford's band had a real 'cuttin'contest' last night. Daddy-o One hipster's way of addressing another hipster. Ex: Hey, "daddy-o", what's cookin'? Dark Angry or upset (used in the Midwest). Ex: They were in a "dark" mood when he was late for the gig. Dig To understand - to get the point - to like. Ex: Hey, 'daddy-o', "dig" this crazy music. Dog (around) Follow Ex: "That 'cat' was 'doggin' me all night long." Drape/Dry Goods Clothes (Also: Threads) Ex: Man, I did that Cat's Drape. Ex: Man, dig these Dry Goods. How do you like the Drape? Dukes Not strickly a Jazz expression, - hands. Ex: He had his Dukes full. -handling the crowd. DJ, DeeJay Short for Disk Jockey. Originally, a radio announcer who hosted record playing show. Now also a party host who has no band, just plays records. Ex: That "DJ" spins some cool Cookies (disks). Down by Law The earned respect for talent or ability to "get down." Ex: After all those years of work, his success was "down by law." Drag Depressing a person's spirits. Ex: He's a real "drag." Drive To play with real concentrated emotion. End Still another Superlative. (See "Cool"; "too much" or "crazy.") Ex: The way Benny blows his licorice stick (clarinet) is the living, breathing "end." Fall In Arrive on the scene Ex: "I 'fell in' with 'Duke' at the Apollo Theater last night." Fall Out Exiting Ex: "Man, when they brought on the Musical Saw, I 'fell out'." Finger Zinger Playing very fast, or music written to be played fast. Ex: The "Minute Waltz" is a real "Finger Zinger". Flip To Act or think in a crazy (eccentric) manner. Ex: I really "flipped" listening to all that Jazz. Flip your lid See "Blow your top." Ex: I "flipped my lid" listening to Benny Goodman." Fly Smooth or slick. Ex: Man, that was a "fly" solo. Fly Chick Attractive female Ex: Man, dig that Fly Chick over there. Fracture To deeply affect (usually humorously) someone. Ex: Man, your jokes "fracture" me. Frail A Lady; A "Chick". (Also see: "Main Squeeze" ) Ex: Man, dig that frail. Freak Lip Describing a musician who can play endlessly. Ex: Man, he 'balled' all night, and 'blew' them away at the next day's concert. What a pair of "freak Lips". Frisking the Whiskers Warming up prior to a session. Ex: He arrived early and started "frisking the whiskers". Four Beat Four even Beats Per bar of music. "Two Beats" is also four beat time, but with the 1st and 3rd (or 2nd and 4th) beats accentuated. Gangbusters Powerful Ex: Man, did you dig Benny wailing last night, - He came on like 'Gangbusters'." Gas A performance that moves you. Ex: The way he 'wails' is a real "gas." (or Gasser) Gate or Gator Jazz musician. Originally used as a loving and warm description of Louis Armstrong. Folks said his mouth was as large as a "Satchel", from which came one of his nick-names -"Satchmo". He was also called "Gate Mouth", referring to an 'Alligator's mouth' (see Alligator definition above) above) from which we get the expression "Gate" or "Gator" - originally denoting a person as a musician, but today it denotes anyone. Ex: 'Skin me' "Gate". (Shake hands) Get Down Musically: Superlative playing. He really "gets down" on that horn. Sexually: Baby, let's amble on over to my pad and we'll "get down". Gig May be used as a : Noun: A paying job. Ex: I've got a "gig" next Monday night. Verb: To Play a job. Ex: I'll be gigging at the club saturday night. Gimme some skin Shake hands. (aka: Skin me!) Glims The Eyes. Also 'to look' (aka: Glom) ex: Glim this sheet of music. ex: That frail has great glimmers Gone Another Jazz superlative. Ex: He's one "gone" cat. Have one's boots on Hip; wise; know what's happening Ex: That cat has his boots on. Groovy Denotes music that really swings. ('Groove' is a Musician's term for Rhythm) Ex: Man, dig that "groovy" beat. Gutbucket Two meanings. 1. Barrelhouse 2. Crude Bass made with upturned washtub using a stick, with one string, attached to the bottom end. A. A Barrelhouse was a low type saloon used where drinking and dancing were the main attactions. B. A rhythmic style of Jazz or Blues. (Listen to the early Dixieland tune "Gutbucket Blues".) Ergo: A style of music associated with saloons and other low establishments. Hame A Job not in the Music Business. Hand me some skin To Shake Hands Ex: "Skin" me Gate. Ex: "Hand me some skin", gate. Head Arrangement An unwritten "arrangement". The band's sidemen just agree on the Chordal progression (Changes) and order of music and solos. Ex: The band sounded choppy because it was a "Head". Heat Solo space. Ex: Hey, gate, give me some "heat" on 'Jersey Bounce'! Hepcat Originally a musician in a Swing Band. Ex: Satchmo is one hep cat! Now, anyone who likes Swing music. Ex: That "hepcat" loves to jive. Hip To know; to understand. Ex: Man, he's one "Hip" cat. (Understands the music) Ex: I'm hip to your bluff. (understands a ploy.) Hipster Someone who knows and loves Swing Music. Ex: The "Hipsters" really packed that concert hall. Horn Usually a brass or reed instrument. Ex: Man, he blows a mean "horn". Hot Originally, the "Chicago" style of Dixieland Jazz was called 'Hot Jazz' due to it's driving character vs the easy going ensemble New Orleans style. In the 1950s, the term "Cool" Jazz came into common use to denote music that was more intellectual, rather than emotional. Ex: That cat blew one "Hot" solo on his break. A Hot Plate A "Hit" recording. Ex: RCA has a real "hot plate" with that record. I'm Booted Hip; Understand. Ex: Gotcha, daddy-o, "I'm booted." In the Groove Really Good! Ex: Benny's solo was really "in the groove!" In the Mix The group; The happening. Ex: With that cat "in the mix", we can't fail. In The Pocket When a band's rhythm section really grooves. Ex: They were really "in the pocket", tonight. Ivories Piano Keys. (They were originally made of Ivory.) Ex: Listen to that cat tickling the Ivories. Jack The Diminutive of "Jackson". A person. The Jazz equivalent of "Mac" or of "Bud". (Sometimes used in a negative manner.) Ex: Hey "Jack", don't dominate this gig. Ex: Hit the road, "Jack." Jackson A Male friend Ex: I Dig Ya Jackson. Jake Okay. Ex: That's "Jake" with me. Ex: He's "Jake" with me. Jam Playing (hot). (Usually: to Improvise.) Ex: That band was "jamming" tonight. Jam Session A spontaneous get together (often after hours) of sidemen freely improvising on pop tunes - just soloing on "head" arrangements. Ex: There's always an after hours "Jam Session" there. Jazz Box A "Jazz guitar". Ex: Les Paul's "Jazz Box" is usually a Fender. Jitterbug A 1940s description of "jittery", Swing dancers. Ex: Watch those "Jitterbugs" doing a mean Lindy Hop. Jittersauce Alcohol (drinking -not rubbing- variety) Jive May be used as a: Noun - an odd form of speech. Ex: That "Jive" doesn't fool me. Verb - to fool someone. Ex: Stop "Jiving" me, will you. Adjective - phoney or fake. Ex: He's one "Jive" dude. Perjorative. Someone not well liked. JAMF - Jive A-- Mother F----R. Joe Below A musician who plays for less than Union scale pay. Ex: How can you 'turn a buck' when "Joe Below" plays almost for free? Jump To have a good time. Ex: The 'joint' was really "jumping" last night. Kicks Pleasure. Ex: I get my "Kicks" listening to Goodman. Kill Sheer delight. Ex: You "kill" me, man. (Also, You "Slay" me man.) Kill it stop (doing something) Ex: That sounds terrible, "kill it". Killer 'Red Hot' musician, dancer, or music fan. Ex: Man, Dig "Killer" Joe's dancing. Ex: He's a 'Killer'. King Kong Cheap Moonshine (whiskey) Ex: Slip me 3 fingers of that 'King Kong'. kopasetic Nice. Good. Ex: The Count's solo was Kopasetic. Lame or Lamer Something, or someone. that doesn't quite 'cut' it. Ex: Those cats were layin' down some "lame" music. Ex: That "Lamer" just can't cut it. Latch On To "Dig". Catch On. Join in. Ex: He "latched on" when Benny started wailing. Laying Down Playing music (or sincere talk). Ex: I was listening to Benny 'laying down' some 'hot licks' on "Jersey Bounce". Licks, hot licks A musical phrase or solo. Ex: That cat can 'lay down' some "hot licks." Ex: I really got my "Licks" in on that tune. Licorice Stick A Clarinet Ex: Benny Goodman knew what to do with his "licorice stick"? Lindy Hop THE dance of the Swing Era, and of the new Millennium also. Originally, the dancers did "hop" to the music, but later, it was refined somewhat. Some very wild gyrations were added, including precision pairs dancing; "splits"; throwing one's partner in the air; and others. The dancers were later nicknamed "Jitterbugs". Long Hair Lover of Classical Music. Ex: He doesn't dig Benny. He's a "long hair." Main Squeeze A favorite girl-friend Ex: Linda's my 'main squeeze'. Mickey Mouse Term to describe an Orchestra that uses some sort of gimmick to attract listeners. Also used to the music played by such an orchestra. Ex: The band didn't 'Jump', they played Mickey Mouse. Muggin(g) Playing around. Having fun. Murder Superdooper. Excellent, Ex: She said 'Let's dance.' I said "Murder!" Ex: His solo was "solid Murder!" Nicksieland A New York City Colloquialism, - now totally obsolete. It was used in reference to the music played by the small groups at a club called "Nick's" (in the Greenwich Village are of New York city. Noodlin' Just playing notes and phrases with no particular meaning Ex: Stop "noodlin" around man. Let's get working. Off-Beat Originally, a weak or un-accented beat. Now also used to describe something out of the normal. ex: His playing of the song was really "off-beat". Off-time Jive Incorrect Ex: That story sounds like "off-time Jive" to me. Out to Lunch Absent Minded; Not paying attention. Ex: He's was "out to lunch" that night and played poorly. Pad Usually just a sparsely furnished apartment. The expression was coined not by musicians, but by the "Hippie" generation. The early 'hippies' would rent a room with no furniture; throw a Futon - a "pad" - on the floor, where they would sit and sleep and eat on it. (See also "Crib" above.) Ex: Some of the cats will be jamming at my "Pad" tonight. Peck Horn Tuba Plant you now and dig you later "Gotta" Go Ex: Plant you now and dig you later, Gator! Popsicle Stick A sax player's reed. Ex: I used a great "popsicle stick" at that gig. Queen A Pretty lady. Reeds Saxophones and Clarinets and other instruments that use a bamboo 'reed' to make sound. Ride A Hot Solo part. Ex: Joe, - you take the 2nd chorus ride. Ex: Did you hear Joe Riding during the chorus? Riff A 2 or 4 bar musical phrase. (Riffs really define Swing.) Righteous A 'real' Jazzman. A very good musician. Ex: Benny Goodman - the 'Righteous' King of Swing. Ex: Bix Beidebecke: a righteous Cornetist. Rock Another superlative. Ex: Basie "rocked" on One O'Clock Jump. Ex: "Rock Me" with the old time rhythm. Rock and Roll Describes the old 1950's music, but originally slang for sex. Ex: Baby, stop jivin' me, -let's "rock and roll." Rug Cutter Swing dancers - Jitterbug. Ex: That cat is one cool Rugcutter. Sackbutt A trombone. Actually very early (Middle Ages) instrument from which the modern trombone derives. (Sackbutt, Psaltery and Dulcimer) The expression was still used in New Orleans (1900s) where "A New Orleans funeral procession ain't nothin' without a "sackbutt." Salty Angry. Scat Nonsense syllables used in place of Lyrics. Ex: Ella Fitgerald was the "Scat" singing queen. Scene A place. Ex: Let's make the "Scene" at Birdland tonight. Schmaltz (Actually the Jewish word for Chicken fat.) In Jazz, a term denoting sweet -not hot - music. Ex: That band doesn't jump, they're into "Schmaltz". Screwin' the Pooch A series of bad mistakes while playing. Ex: He was really "screwin' the pooch" on "Stardust" last night. Send to stimulate. (a good feeling) Ex: Man, that cat really "sends" me. Sharp High Fashion. Ex: He's one "sharp" looking cat in his Zoot suit. Shroud-Tailor Undertaker Ex: The family called the local 'Shroud-tailor'. sideman One of the musicians in the band. Skins The drums. An animal's pelt was the original drum head. Slip Me Some Skin Handshake. Ex: "Slip me some skin" Jack. Ex: Skin me, Jackson. Slide Give or Hand one something or some information. Ex: "Slide" me the score of that tune, Jack. Sliphorn Musical slang for the Trombone (aka: tailgate horn due to the sideman's position in the early horse drawn wagons. aka: Slide horn) Smokin' To Put one's heart and soul into playing. Ex: Ziggy Elman was really "smokin'" that night. Snap your cap Same as "Blow your top." Ex: Calm down. Don't "snap your cap". Solid Another swing-era superlative meaning Good or great. Ex: "Solid", jackson! (Good work.) Ex: "Some of you cats are not on the beam. I know what's wrong, you've been cooking with cream. Now if you want a beat that's "Solid" and hard, Then Fry me mama with a can of Lard" --(Bradley Orch. Tune Lyric) Squeak Box Violin
Squeeze Box Accordion Square An "Unhip" person. (One who does not "Dig") Ex: That cat is real "square." Standard A Song that has become a "classic". Sugar Band A "Sweet" music band, - with vibrato and glissando galore. Sweet Music Music which never deviates from the melody. Swing The great music of the 1930s to 1940s, and again in late 1998 and into the 2000 millenium. It is symbolized by a sensational beat with the melody usually played against a background 'Riff'. Tag A tune ending; repeating the last phrase three times. Take Five Originally, a short five minute break. Ex: OK everyone. Let's "take five." The End A Superlative - (also see: 'crazy'.) Ex: Man, that cat's the living, breathing "end". Threads Clothing (Also see Drape/Dry Goods) Ex: Cat 1. Man, dig that cat's new Threads. Cat 2. I dig the Drape. Too much Another Jazz superlative. Ex: Lee Wiley's singing is "too much." Torch A song, or singer, expressing unrequited love. Ex: "My Man" is a real "torch" song. Ex: Peggy Lee was a real "Torch". Train Wreck The moment when one of the sidemen gets "lost" in the middle of a tune. Truck A 'walking' figure in the Lindy Hop dance. Ex: Let's "truck" on down to the ballroom. Ex: Man! See that couple "truckin'" on the dancefloor. Tubs The drum set. Ex: Listen to Krupa pounding those "tubs.". Two's and Fews Small Change, Very little money Ex: Man, I only had some 'Two's and fews' on me. Two Beat Four-four time played with a steady two ground beats on the bass drum. Wail Playing extremely well. Ex: Benny really "Wailed" on 'Sing, Sing, Sing'. Walking bass or walking rhythm A four-beat Bass rhythm pattern. Often called "Kansas City Walking Bass". Wax a disc Record a tune(s). Wig, Wig out To flip Ex: There was no reason; he just "wigged out." Wild Astonishing or amazing. (also see: Too Much) Ex: He plays a really "wild" trumpet. Witch Doctor A member of the clergy. (A Truly Apt description.) Wooden Kimono Coffin Ex: We all chipped in to buy the 'wooden kimono'. Woodshed (or Shed) To practice. Ex: He was in the "Wood Shed" all night. Wrong Riff Doing the wrong thing. Ex: Man, - you're coming on with the "wrong riff". Zoot A true Swing era expression describing exaggerated clothing, - especially the "Zoot" suit.
Taken from: http://www.nfo.net/usa/slang.html
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