Dec. 11, 2001

I know it's kind of late in the day to comment on a six-month old kafuffle, but here goes anyway.

I don't know whether Deborah Grey meant "gig" or "jig". After all, politicians rarely say what they mean or mean what they say, although, I think (not know) that she has a better-than-average chance of being such a one. But I tend to think of a gig as being over rather than up when referring to musical engagements and such having run their course. If the gig is terminated prematurely because, let's say, the employer discovers that the singer he has engaged can't carry a tune in a bag, it would be appropriate to say that the "jig is up".

There is an instance where the phrase "the gig is up" might be used and is my far-fetched suggestion as a possible origin for the phrase:

A gig is a slim and fast kind of pulling boat carried aboard ship and usually reserved for the captain. It is conceivable that it would be reported that "the gig is up" when it had been hoisted clear when the ship was preparing to get under way. I did say it was far-fetched. Also I don't think that Grey would be aware of that obscure bit of nautical trivia.

I think that the original posting of "the jig is up" reflects what she meant better than what she said. Day's gig had not run its course. Instead he was being asked to leave prematurely because he was "found out" as being no leader.

Well, that's about all except to say that I really enjoy the Words site. It's rare to find something so educational and entertaining at the same time. The puns are outstanding.

This site deserves an award of some kind. Keep up the good word!

Sincerely,
Ken Carlton

Oct. 14, 2001

Your "Gigs 'n Jigs" column reminded me of an old story about Dief the Chief. The former prime minister was apparently displeased with the Ottawa Press Gallery for what he felt was their inaccurate rendering of his words. He admonished them en masse, and insisted if they didn't stop misquoting him he would severely curtail scheduled interviews.

Led by some inspired wags, the Press Gallery responded by doing exactly as John Diefenbaker wanted: quoting him verbatim, without fixing up any of his notoriously fractured verbiage (as they had charitably and uncomplainingly been doing in the past.) Within a matter of days, Dief was a changed man, and was virtually BEGGING the Press Gallery to go back to its old ways.

Can't recall for sure where I first read that story, but I think the credit should go to Val Sears. Thought you'd enjoy it though, and it reminds one of the old advice, "be careful what you wish for – you might get it!"

Best wishes,

Rob N. Riley
Slocan Valley, B.C.

June 20, 2001

I find it amusing that a column on "gig" being confused with "jig" should refer to "gigabytes of sound bites", considering that "gigabytes" is more often than not mispronounced with a hard 'g'.

Anyway, keep up the good work!

Emru Townsend
Montreal

June 15, 2001

I enjoyed reading your column Gigs, Jigs, and Jibes.

I thought you would appreciate extracts from the Dictionary of Newfoundland English. This may be more than you want to know about "jig," and a new take on "gig."

Regards

Reg Locke,
Department of Justice
Government of Newfoundland

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