General
jitterbug
What does jitterbug mean?
As a verb, to dance in that wild swinging style.
"Let's jitterbug to this one, baby."
Origin
1930s swing-era term from Harlem, popularized by Cab Calloway, who recorded 'Call of the Jitter Bug' in 1934 and a song titled 'Jitter Bug.' It named both the frenetic swing dancers and the dance done at ballrooms like the Savoy.
Frequently asked questions
What does jitterbug mean?
It means an energetic swing dancer, or the wild acrobatic dance they performed to hot jazz.
Where did jitterbug come from?
From 1930s Harlem swing culture, popularized by Cab Calloway's recordings about the jitter bug.
Is the jitterbug related to the Lindy Hop?
Yes, jitterbug was a broad name for energetic swing dancing, of which the Lindy Hop was the signature form.
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