Jag
/dʒæɡ/noun
A sharp projection or point, or a sudden burst of activity or emotion.
Did you know?In older English and Scots, jag could mean a spike, notch, or projecting point—while the modern slang sense of a drinking or drug spree is a later, separate development, not a single magical origin.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
geag
“A notch, spike, or projecting point.”
Middle English
ME
jagge
“A pointed or toothed projection; a notch or slit.”
16th–17th Century
English
jag
“A sharp point, spur, or projecting piece.”
19th Century
English
jag
“A spree, binge, or short burst of intense activity, especially drinking.”
Modern English
English
jag
“A sharp projection or point; also a binge or intense spell of behavior.”
Explore more surprising origins