Jitterbug

Simplified elder phone

Jitterbug is a fast, energetic swing dance that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, characterized by acrobatic moves and improvisation: They jitterbugged until the band stopped playing.

The term also described the young people who danced it, often with a hint of disapproval from older generations.

As a verb, to jitterbug is to perform this dance.

The word suggests nervous energy—jittery movement.

dance

swing

Suspended recreational seat

lindy hopHarlem-born swing dance style
big bandLarge jazz ensemble
ballroomVenue for formal dances

partner · steps · kicks · twirls · hops · boogie-woogie · foxtrot · Charleston · dance hall · rhythm

era

1940s

Fourth decade, twentieth century

World War IISecond global military conflict
USOMilitary welfare nonprofit
zoot suitExaggerated 1940s ensemble

bobby socks · saddle shoes · Glenn Miller · Benny Goodman · jukebox · swing era · dance halls · big band era · Harlem · Savoy Ballroom

phone

senior

Higher in rank

elderlyAdvanced in age
simplifiedMade less complex
emergencySerious sudden danger

medical alert · flip phone · accessibility · amplified · SOS · caregiver · Lively · cellphone · basic · health monitoring

slang

nervous

Uneasy and apprehensive

anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
fidgetyNervously unable to settle
restlessUnable to be still

antsy · edgy · uneasy · twitchy · jumpy · agitated · keyed up · on edge · butterflies · shaky

Jitterbug

swing

1940s

senior

nervous

Jitterbug

Opposites

Categories

Family