What is a "gig"?

A "gig" in the context of live entertainment refers to a performance by one or more artists, such as musicians or comedians, in front of an audience. The term originates from the slang used by jazz musicians in the early 20th century, where "gigging" meant playing a job or engagement. This term likely derived from the word "gig," which originally referred to a two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse, often used to transport musicians to their performances. Over time, the term evolved to encompass any live performance engagement, regardless of the type of entertainment, and it remains widely used in contemporary vernacular to describe such events.