jazz

Where does the word "jazz" come from? It comes from American English jasm, passing through American English before entering English (1917).

Jazz’s story begins in American English: jasm meant “pep, energy.” Slang for energy or spirit, the most likely source, though the origin of 'jazz' is genuinely unknown. Within American English, it grew into jazz by 1912. First printed in the Los Angeles Times in April 1912, when pitcher Ben Henderson described his 'jazz ball' that wobbled so no one could hit it. It reached English by 1917 as jazz. The name of the new New Orleans music by 1915; the Original Dixieland Jass Band made the first jazz record in New York in February 1917. Today, jazz means a style of music with African-American roots, marked by improvisation and syncopation.

1. Stage 1 · American English · 1860s jasm "pep, energy", slang for energy or spirit, the most likely source, though the origin of 'jazz' is genuinely unknown.
2. Stage 2 · American English · 1912 jazz "pep; a trick pitch", first printed in the Los Angeles Times in April 1912, when pitcher Ben Henderson described his 'jazz ball' that wobbled so no one could hit it.
3. Stage 3 · American English · 1917 jazz "syncopated African-American music", the name of the new New Orleans music by 1915; the Original Dixieland Jass Band made the first jazz record in New York in February 1917.