Rural Dictionary

Swing

In jazz music, the ability to improvise with soul, creativity, and individuality, while still remaining organically connected to the sound being put out by the band as a whole.

The ability to swing is what distinguishes a good jazz player from a bad one. Lack of soul (Kenny G) or showboating (Jaco Pastorius toward the end of his career) are antithetical to swing.

Normally used in the context of acoustic jazz, but equally applicable to fusion, jazz-funk, etc. Not be confused with "swing" as a genre. (While a good Swing musician must know how to "swing," one can swing in just about any genre involving improvised music).

Man, that sax player sure knows how to swing.

I wasn't feeling the band last night. They kept trying, but they just couldn't swing.

by srussell25 April 2, 2010

110👍 47👎

Swing

To behave in a fun, self-confident, and charismatic manner typically associated with just the right balance of Cuban bravado. This can be perceived in a dance like quality to the walk similar to an upbeat Salsa.

Ese Pitbull tiene tremendo swing. spanglish

by samwong April 8, 2015

38👍 15👎

Swing

Possibly the greatest music form of all time. Originated in the early 1920's, originated from early jazz types and strong African-American influence. Strong comeback of Swing occured in 1998 with bands like the Cherry Poppin Daddies and The Straycats.

"Whacha listen' to?"
"Some awesome Swing!"

by Eric R. April 25, 2005

498👍 290👎

swinge

1. tr.v. to punch (someone).

2. tr.v. to beat (someone) up.

3. tr.v. to give a beating to; to thrash.

4. intr.v. & tr.v. variant of swinze, "to hum a tune". Probably not the same word as those above.

1. He swinged me in the knob.

2. The bullies were swinging kids in the playground.

3. Their ship was swinged against the waves.

4. She was swinzing the "Shrek" theme song.

by kadatz June 7, 2010

9👍 2👎