jib

jib · noun¹

Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see below).

jib · verb²

1. Danish · derived fromgibbe“jib, jibe”
2. Dutch · derived fromgijben
3. English todayjib

Attested since the 1680s (also spelled jibe and gybe), perhaps from Dutch gijben (a variant of gijpen (“to turn sails suddenly”), whence certainly the form jibe) or else from Danish gibbe (“jib, jibe”), related to Swedish gippa (“jib, jibe, jerk, make jump”). Compare also Middle High German gempeln (“to spring”), Swedish guppa (“to move up and down”), Swedish gumpa (“to jump, spring”). See jump.

jib · noun³

Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortening of gibbet.

jib · verb, noun⁴

Uncertain, perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see above).

jib · noun⁵

1. Medieval Latin · derived fromgibba“hump”
2. Old French · derived fromgibbe
3. Middle English · inherited fromgibbe“a swelling or protrusion in the body”
4. English todayjib

From Middle English gibbe (“a swelling or protrusion in the body”), from Old French gibbe and/or Medieval Latin gibba (“hump”).

Words from the same roots