A piece of old, torn cloth; also to tease or criticize someone harshly, or a type of upbeat music with a syncopated rhythm.
From Middle English and possibly Scandinavian roots for 'scrap' or 'torn piece.' The musical meaning (ragtime) may come from the 'ragged' or syncopated rhythm. The verb 'to rag' (tease) emerged separately in early 20th century slang.
Ragtime music literally gets its name from having a 'ragged' rhythm—Scott Joplin's 'Maple Leaf Rag' made irregular beat patterns cool, influencing jazz and modern music forever.
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