Jitterbug

/ˈdʒɪtərˌbʌɡ/ noun, verb

Definition

A fast, energetic swing dance popular in the 1930s-40s, or to dance the jitterbug.

Etymology

From 'jitter' (nervous movements from anxiety or stimulants) and 'bug' (a craze or obsession). The dance was named for its frantic, nervous-looking movements, with 'bug' added because it became a widespread fad.

Kelly Says

Jitterbug dancing was so wild that some cities tried to ban it from dance halls because authorities thought the energetic bouncing would cause balconies to collapse—they actually had structural engineers check!

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