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Gig Very Common

Gig has 11 different meanings across 1 category:

Noun

Definitions
Noun
1

long and light rowing boat; especially for racing

"The team launched their sleek gig to compete in the annual river race."

gig
2

an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish

"The angler carefully adjusted his gig before casting it into the deep water to catch the large salmon."

3

a cluster of hooks (without barbs) that is drawn through a school of fish to hook their bodies; used when fish are not biting

"The fishermen cast out their gig, hoping the sharp cluster of hooks would snag the fleeing mackerel since the bait wasn't attracting any bites."

gig
4

tender that is a light ship's boat; often for personal use of captain

"The old captain used his small gig to ferry passengers across the harbor instead of taking the main vessel."

gig
5

small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage; with two seats and no hood

"The delivery man arrived in a red gig to drop off the package at my door."

gig
6

a booking for musicians

"they played a gig in New Jersey"

gig
7

A performing engagement by a musical group; or, generally, any job or role, especially for a musician or performer.

"The old song described her as a shameless gig who danced on every street corner without a care in the world."

8

Clipped form of gigabyte.

9

A playful or wanton girl; a giglot.

In plain English: A "gig" used to mean a silly or flirtatious woman.

"The old-fashioned term felt out of place in modern conversation."

Usage: Use "gig" to refer specifically to a short-term performance engagement or an informal job in the entertainment industry rather than a permanent position. While often used interchangeably with "job," it carries a distinct connotation of temporary, freelance work common among musicians and performers.

Verb
1

To fish or catch with a gig, or fish spear.

"The new policy is designed to gig confidence among the employees."

2

To engender.

In plain English: To engender. Plain English Definition: To cause something to begin or develop.

"The comedian's routine really gigged laughter from the audience."

Example Sentences
"The old-fashioned term felt out of place in modern conversation." noun
"We need to book a gig at the local club next Friday." noun
"Her first paid gig was playing guitar for her friend's birthday party." noun
"The band is looking forward to their upcoming summer gig in Chicago." noun
"The comedian's routine really gigged laughter from the audience." verb
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
small boat implement hook tender carriage engagement
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
harpoon leister

Origin

Despite its uncertain origins, the word gig likely traces back to the Old French term for a musical instrument called a fiddle. English speakers later adopted this name as slang for short-term work or entertainment before extending it to mean any brief performance.

Rhyming Words
fizgig fishgig fish gig whirligig flirtigig whirlygig sheela na gig
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