1 C1 idiomatic slang
To talk in a deceptive or insincere way; to make empty or misleading conversation.
"Stop jiving around and tell me what actually happened."
jive around
C1 slang intransitive
To talk nonsense, be deceptive, or waste time with idle chatter.
In plain English
To say things that aren't true or to waste time talking about nothing important.
What does "jive around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To waste time or behave in a silly, aimless manner.
"We spent the afternoon jiving around downtown with nothing to do."
Usage tip
Primarily African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in origin. 'Jive' on its own already carries the sense of insincere or foolish talk; 'around' adds a sense of aimlessness. Largely dated; more common in mid-20th-century American speech.
Words that pair with "jive around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop quit don't all day
How to conjugate "jive around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jive around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jives around
he/she/it
Past simple
jived around
yesterday
Past participle
jived around
have + pp
-ing form
jiving around
continuous
Hear "jive around" in the wild
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