The word “jazz,” 1 of 6: its true origins
It seems that every person has a favorite story about the origin of the word “jazz”—and an agenda to go with it. […]
1. The word “jazz” is first documented in 1912, and it evolved from a slang word, “jasm,” sometimes spelled “jazzum” or “jassum,” meaning liveliness, “pep,” energy, intensity, and related concepts.
2. All Other Tales about the origin of the word “jazz” are 100% false. […]