jitterbug

[jit-er-buhg]

noun

1. a strenuously acrobatic dance consisting of a few standardized steps augmented by twirls, splits, somersaults, etc., popular especially in the early 1940s and performed chiefly to boogie-woogie and swing.

2. a person who dances the jitterbug.

verb (used without object)

jitterbugged, jitterbugging 

1. to dance the jitterbug.

jitterbug

/ ˈdʒɪtəˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. a fast jerky American dance, usually to a jazz accompaniment, that was popular in the 1940s

2. a person who dances the jitterbug

3. a highly nervous or excitable person

verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

• jitterbugger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jitterbug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; jitter + bug ¹

Example Sentences

His cameos as Blazes Boylan, jitterbugging across the stage with the self-satisfied air of a country rake, were not just enlivening but renewing, capturing the character in a new idiom.

From Los Angeles Times

It references to Audrey Hepburn and British supermodel Twiggy, and the frenetic editing and jitterbug choreography make it a unique entry in her videography.

From BBC

Whatever its exact journey, the suit spread like wildfire among hep cats who were into jitterbug and swing.

From Los Angeles Times

Valdez conceived El Pachuco as the embodiment of the outrageously stylish young batos he used to spot around town, who spoke a Cantinflas-meets-Raymond-Chandler patois called caló and jitterbugged at clubs from Boyle Heights to Bakersfield.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Tigers’ huddle, coach Norm Stewart’s plan was to disrupt the jitterbug point guard.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disco 
• samba 
• tango 
• waltz