gig

Meaning

Noun

1. (informal) Originally (music), a performing engagement by a musician or musical group; (by extension, film, television, theater) a job or role for a performer.
2. (informal) Any job, especially one that is freelance or temporary, or done on an on-demand basis.
3. (informal) A demerit received for some infraction of a military deportment or dress code.

Verb

1. (informal) To play (a musical instrument) at a gig.
2. (informal) To impose a demerit (on someone) for an infraction of a military deportment or dress code.
3. (informal) To engage in a musical performance, act in a theatre production, etc.
4. (informal) To work at any job, especially one that is freelance or temporary, or done on an on-demand basis.

Verb

1. To make a joke, often condescendingly, at the expense of (someone); to make fun of.
2. Sometimes followed by it: to ride in a gig (“a two-wheeled carriage drawn by a single horse”).

Verb

1. To spear (fish, etc.) with a gig or fizgig.
2. To catch or fish with a gig or fizgig.

Synonyms

fizgig

boat

⛵

fishgig

spear

two-wheeled cart

dinghy

lance

chaise

trident

🔱

trap

🪤

yawl

buggy

cabriolet

job

kibble

pinnace

rowboat

🚣

shallop

skiff

stage-coach

teetotum

tender

top

🔝

whirligig

yawn

ship’s boat

temporary job

leister

whirlgig

rotating body

canoe

🛶

carriage

cart

concert

cutter

dray

fish-fork

gaff

gondola

growler

harpoon

heist

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɡɪɡ/

Etymology

The etymology of the noun is unknown, but compare Old French gigue (“a fiddle”). The verb is derived from the noun.