Yes, the standard jig is in 6/8 time, and the slip jig is in 9/8 time but there's also the single jig performed in 4/4 time, but with the emphasis on the the downbeat rather than the upbeat, as done in a reel (4/4 time). Also, the treble jig which is performed in hard shoes, the above jigs being danced in soft shoes. Jigs are also performed in ceili dances with groups of people dancing a set of steps.
See also Irish step dancing

Also a shorter version of jigaboo, a derisive slang term for a black person.

Prominently featured in the novels of James Ellroy and in Vin Diesel's magnum opus A Man Apart.

Jig (?), n. [OF. gigue a stringed instrument, a kind of dance, F. gigue dance, tune, gig; of German origin; cf. MHG. gIge fiddle, G. geige. Cf. Gig a fiddle, Gig a whirligig.]

1. (Mus.)

A light, brisk musical movement.

Hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig.
Shak.

3.

A light, humorous piece of writing, esp. in rhyme; a farce in verse; a ballad. [Obs.]

A jig shall be clapped at, and every rhyme
Praised and applauded.
Beau. & Fl.

4.

A piece of sport; a trick; a prank. [Obs.]

Is't not a fine jig,
A precious cunning, in the late Protector?
Beau. & Fl.

5.

A trolling bait, consisting of a bright spoon and a hook attached.

6. (Mach.)

(a)

A small machine or handy tool; esp.: (Metal Working)

A contrivance fastened to or inclosing a piece of work, and having hard steel surfaces to guide a tool, as a drill, or to form a shield or templet to work to, as in filing.

(b) (Mining)

An apparatus or a machine for jigging ore.

Drill jig, a jig for guiding a drill. See Jig, 6 (a). --
Jig drilling, Jig filing (Metal Working), a process of drilling or filing in which the action of the tool is directed or limited by a jig. --
Jig saw, a sawing machine with a narrow, vertically reciprocating saw, used to cut curved and irregular lines, or ornamental patterns in openwork, a scroll saw; -- called also gig saw.

 

© Webster 1913


Jig, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Jigged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Jigging (?).]

1.

To sing to the tune of a jig.

Jig off a tune at the tongue's end.
Shak.

2.

To trick or cheat; to cajole; to delude. Ford.

3. (Mining)

To sort or separate, as ore in a jigger or sieve. See Jigging, n.

4. (Metal Working)

To cut or form, as a piece of metal, in a jigging machine.

 

© Webster 1913


Jig, v. i.

To dance a jig; to skip about.

You jig, you amble, and you lisp.
Shak.

 

© Webster 1913


Jig, v. i.

To move with a skip or rhythm; to move with vibrations or jerks.

The fin would jig off slowly, as if it were looking for nothing at all.
Kipling.

 

© Webster 1913

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