Meaning & Definition of word "Jazz"
to
Jazz
/dʒæz/
noun:
- 1. A genre of music characterized by a strong rhythm, improvisation, and a syncopated melody.
- Example: She loves listening to jazz while she works, as it helps her concentrate.
- 2. Lively or spirited activity or talk.
- Example: The party was filled with jazz and laughter, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- 3. A style of dance that is associated with jazz music.
- Example: He took jazz dance classes to improve his performance skills.
verb:
- 1. To play or perform music in the jazz style.
- Example: The band will jazz up the old classics with their unique interpretations.
- 2. To make something more lively or interesting.
- Example: They decided to jazz up the presentation with colorful visuals.
Etymology
The word 'jazz' originally referred to 'pep' or 'energy' and may have originated from 'jasm' meaning vigor or energy, which was popularized in the early 20th century with the music genre.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Jazz it up:
To make something more exciting or lively.
Jazz hands:
A theatrical gesture where the fingers are splayed and the hands are waved, typically used in dance performances.
Jazzed up:
Made more exciting or interesting.
Related Words
blues:
A music genre that originated in the African American communities in the Deep South of the United States, characterized by its use of specific chord progressions and expressive melodies.
swing:
A style of jazz music that is characterized by a strong rhythm and a sense of momentum or 'swing'.
improvisation:
The act of creating music spontaneously without pre-composed notes, a key feature of jazz.
Slang Meanings of jazz
Meaning: To have a good time; to enjoy oneself.
Example Sentence: Let's go out tonight and jazz it up!
Meaning: To embellish or exaggerate something.
Example Sentence: He tends to jazz up his stories to make them sound more exciting.