A jig is a lively, bouncing dance that originated in Ireland and Scotland centuries ago. When people dance a jig, they make quick, springy steps, often with lots of hopping and kicking. Irish step dancing, which you might have seen in shows like Riverdance, features jigs as one of its main dance styles. The music that goes with a jig has the same bouncy, energetic rhythm, usually played on fiddles, flutes, or accordions.

The word also describes a sudden, jerky movement. A fishing line might jig up and down in the water when a fish bites. You might see someone jigging their leg nervously while waiting for test results.

In workshops and factories, a jig is a special tool that holds materials steady and guides cutting or drilling in exactly the right spot. Think of it like a template that helps you do the same task perfectly every time. A carpenter might use a jig to drill holes at precisely the same angle in fifty different chair legs, ensuring they all match.

The phrase “the jig is up” means someone's trick or deception has been discovered: their game is over, and they've been caught.