Etymology 1

Unknown.

1970s street slang originating in African-American culture. Frequently used to infer lying, verbal deception or trickery.

Possible historical antecedent: see gyve

Verb

1. To speak using a jibe or interconnected jibes.
2. To deceive; to be deceptive.

   Don’t try to jive me! I know where you were last night!

3. To dance.

   You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life; ooh, see that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen!

Noun

1. A dance style popular in the 1940–50s.
2. Swing, a style of jazz music.
3. Jive talk, a slang associated with black American musicians.
4. Nonsense; transparently deceptive talk.

   Don’t give me that jive. I know where you were last night.

Usage notes

"Jive" and "jibe" are frequently used interchangeably in the U.S. to indicate the concept "to agree or accord". However, while one recent dictionary accepts this usage, most sources consider this an error.