Jitterbug
/ˈdʒɪt.ər.bʌɡ/noun
A lively swing dance or the person who dances it; also a person who is nervous or excitable.
Did you know?The word was popularized in the 1930s swing era, and its first half, jitter, is likely tied to the idea of trembling or jerking, while bug was slang for an enthusiast or eccentric person.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
jitter
“to shake, tremble, or fidget”
19th Century
English
bug
“a person with a strong enthusiasm or obsession; an eccentric”
1930s
English
jitterbug
“a fast swing dance and, by extension, a dancer or fan of the style”
Modern English
English
jitterbug
“a swing dancer; also a person who is nervous or restless”