Music
jive turkey
What does jive turkey mean?
A fool or a chump, someone acting ridiculous enough to be dismissed outright.
"Quit acting like a jive turkey and help me move this couch."
Origin
Born in Black American vernacular, 'jive' meant deceptive or worthless talk going back to the jazz scene of the 1930s; pairing it with 'turkey' (a longtime slang for a loser or flop) made it a signature put-down of the 1970s funk and soul era, cemented by sitcoms and blaxploitation films.
Frequently asked questions
What does jive turkey mean in slang?
It means a phony, untrustworthy, or foolish person — someone who talks nonsense and can't be relied on.
Where did jive turkey come from?
It combines 'jive' (deceptive talk, from 1930s jazz slang) with 'turkey' (a dud or loser), and peaked in popularity in the 1970s.
Is jive turkey offensive?
It's an insult, but a mild and often playful one — closer to calling someone a clown than a serious slur.
Do people still say jive turkey?
Mostly ironically or nostalgically now, as a deliberately retro 70s throwback.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
