gig

A live performance by a musician or band, or a job performing for an audience.

• The band has a gig tonight.
• We played three gigs last weekend.
• Did you get tickets for her next gig?

Similar words: performance, concert, engagement

Common phrases: play a gig, live gig, gig at something, first gig

A job, especially a short job or one done independently for a customer.

• I need a new gig.
• She found a weekend gig at a cafe.
• Freelance gigs helped him pay the rent.

How to use it: gig as something (He got a gig as a delivery driver.)

Similar words: job, assignment

Common phrases: side gig, freelance gig, gig as something, get a gig

A penalty recorded against a soldier for breaking rules about appearance or behavior.

• The soldier received a gig.
• Two gigs were recorded after the uniform inspection.
• She got a gig for leaving her buttons undone.

How to use it: gig for something (He received a gig for dirty boots.)

Similar words: demerit

Common phrases: receive a gig, gig for something, get a gig

To play music for an audience, usually as paid work.

• We gig every weekend.
• He gigged with several bands last year.
• Are you still gigging at that club?

How to use it: gig at a place (We gig at local pubs every Friday.); gig with someone (She gigs with a jazz band.)

Similar words: perform, play

Common phrases: gig at something, gig with someone, gig around town

To give a soldier a recorded penalty for breaking rules about appearance or behavior.

• The officer gigged three soldiers.
• He was gigged for leaving his bed unmade.
• Will they gig me for these dirty boots?

How to use it: gig someone for something (The sergeant gigged him for a dirty uniform.)

Similar words: penalize

Common phrases: gig someone for, gig a soldier

To joke about someone in a way that may make them feel foolish.

• Stop gigging your little brother.
• They gigged me about my strange hat.
• He was always gigging her for arriving late.

How to use it: gig someone about something (His friends gigged him about his new haircut.); gig someone for doing something (She gigged him for forgetting his own birthday.)

Similar words: tease, mock, make fun of

Common phrases: gig someone about, gig someone for