Jive Turkey – Meaning, Origin & Usage

You know, sometimes people use the phrase “jive turkey” without knowing what it truly means. To be sure this doesn’t happen to you, and in order to avoid offending anyone, we suggest you read on…

This article is going to cover what the phrase means, how it may have originated and how and when to use the phrase. We will also cover some notable instances of the phrase “jive turkey” in literature and the media and some alternative or synonymous phrases.

And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!

What is the meaning of the phrase “jive turkey”?

The phrase “jive turkey” is a slang term which is used to refer to someone who is seen as dishonest, deceptive, unserious, foolish, insincere, or generally unreliable.

The phrase is generally considered a derogatory one, but it’s also considered playful by some. In contemporary writing, the phrase “jive turkey” is a humorous and deliberately outdated and nostalgic way to call someone a “fool”, referring back to the American jazz culture of the 1970s, and possibly earlier.

What is the origin of the phrase “jive turkey”?

The slang phrase “jive turkey” is composed of two (at first) seemingly unrelated words. Turkey being a foul and jive being a dance form.

The word “jive” comes from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and appears to have derived from the Wolof word “jev” which means to speak about someone not present (especially disparagingly). Wolof was the main language in Senegal, and was spoken by a majority of the slaves brought to America from west Africa.

Around 1930, the word “jive” was being used as a verb meaning “to deceive playfully”, meanwhile the word “turkey” was also being used as a mild insult to describe a simpleton who was foolish or inept.

The full phrase “jive turkey” is believed to have come somewhat later during the 1970’s, when it became a defining slang term of the decade. The phrase gained widespread recognition and is now frequently used in the media in Blaxploitation films, funk music, and TV programs.

How and when do you use the phrase “jive turkey” - with examples

Here are some examples of the phrase in use:

• This jive-turkey was out looking for trouble when he came upon this young lady.
• Just quit jiving me turkey. I’m not gonna fall for it.
• Don’t listen to him, he’s a jive turkey, trying it on.
• Tell that jive turkey to get his butt in here.
• How much jive do you talk, you jive turkey?!

Notable instances of the phrase “jive turkey” in literature and the media

When the phrase “jive turkey” came to the fore, there were novels set in African American culture that used the phrase, including Black Gangster by Donald Goines, and Pimp: The Story of My Life by Iceberg Slim.

The 1970s also saw Blaxploitation films, or in other words, films that largely featured black actors and were aimed at black audiences. Here, the phrase had become a staple, where it was used to call out liars, cowards, or slick-talking hustlers. One example is Dolemite, released in 1975, starring Rudy Ray Moore.

There was also comedic use of the term in TV, such as in the series Good Times, and in the series Sanford and Son.

Of course, it was aslo a key term in funk and soul culture, and “jive turkey” has been referenced in multiple songs. In particular was a song called “Jive Turkey” by Ohio Players released in 1974.

Having been such an iconic expression of African American Vernacular English and 1970s pop culture, the phrase “jive turkey” has become a somewhat nostalgic term and as a throwback to the era.

For example, the phrase comes up a lot in the film “Black Dynamite” released in 2009, which is a parody of Blaxploitation films. Similarly, in the 2010’s there was a famous comedy sketch by Key and Peele where two men escalate an argument over whether or not “jive turkey” is an insult, with hilarious and violent consequences.

Then there’s “That ’70s Show”, which aired 1998 to 2006, which was a sitcom set in the 70’s that had multiple references to the slang of the period, including the phrase “jive turkey.”

What are some alternative or synonymous ways of saying “jive turkey

If you’re ever unsure of how the phrase “jive turkey” is going to go down, there are several words and phrases that you can choose to use in its place. Here are some examples to consider using:

• Foolish idiot
• Idiotic fool
• Teaser
• Liar
• Phony
• Fraud
• Clown
• Man not to be trusted
• Someone who promises but doesn’t deliver
• The one with the empty promises
• Unreliable person
• Untrustworthy person
• Cheat
• Exaggerator
• Dishonest
• Disingenuous
• Insincere
• Funny guy / dude
• Chump
• Jive ass
• Boo diddley

FAQs

Is the phrase “jive turkey” offensive?

One reason “jive turkey” might be deemed offensive by some is its association with stereotypes. The phrase can perpetuate negative portrayals of African American speech and behavior.

However, the phrase is less likely to be taken as being offensive when it is used within the communities that have a deep understanding of its cultural roots, when it might be taken as playful teasing or light-hearted banter. Further, its use in nostalgic film or music is also less likely to cause offense.

Final word

So, in summary, the phrase “jive turkey” is a slang term derived from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and more specifically the 1970s era, when it became an ionic expression.

The phrase is a way to refer to someone who may be described as dishonest, deceptive, unserious, foolish, insincere, or generally unreliable. If you’re talking with someone who may be unfamiliar with the term there are many alternative words and phrases that you can use in its place.

While the phrase has since outgrown mainstream use, it is still used occasionally as a deliberately nostalgic term, and is often seen in parodies of the era and of the scene.