Gig

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ɡɪɡ/

Definitions

1. A short-lived performance or job, typically found in artistic endeavors
2. A brief or temporary employment period often in performing arts or freelance work ; a light, narrow rowboat usually propelled by oars
3. A short-term assignment, often for musicians or performers ; a small boat designed for rowing on calm waters

Etymology: Before it meant a booked performance, gig was a spinning top. Middle English speakers used "gigge" and "gygge" for a top, and Danish still has "gig" in that sense. A Norwegian dialect form, "giga," means "to shake about," which hints at the lively, twisting motion behind the original name. Gig also names a light boat. A captain's gig is a ship's boat, and a six-oared pilot gig is still rowed at St. Mary's in the Isles of Scilly. It also described a light carriage, as in a woman riding a gig. The computing sense is a separate word. Four gigs means four gigabytes, where "gig" is a clipping of "giga-," the prefix for one billion. The verb to gig, meaning to perform, was derived from the noun.

Synonyms: performance, show, concert