Where did the phrase "The jig is up" originate?

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Where did the phrase "The jig is up" originate?

2006-11-02 02:59:27 · 2 answers · asked by Art B 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay

2 answers

In the sailing days that is part of the sails or rigging

2006-11-02 03:13:26 · answer #1 · answered by lonetraveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋

It comes from and old French word. It means the trick is over, game is over.

Captains of Ships used to hang crew that disobeyed, while they were hanging and dying their legs would be moving rapidly.

Once they were dead...The Jig was up...

I believe the word is "Jib" for the sails..or masts?

2006-11-02 11:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by gemma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋