Cut A Rug Etymology

Cutting a rug does indeed refer to dancing.

Cut a rug etymology. Figurative expression pull the rug out from under someone suddenly deprive of important support is from 1936 american english. Several competing theories to explain the idea have been bandied about but none have been firmly proved. At this stage you don t want to cut all the way through then slowly finish cutting through the rug following the score while pulling up on the part you are cutting off. Cut a or the rug dance typically in an energetic or accomplished way.

Cut a rug dance is slang first attested 1942. To dance in an energetic way he s not young anymore but he can still cut a rug on the dance floor. Like most slang the origins of cut a rug as a synonym for dancing are disputed. Posted by baceseras on june 04 2011 at 14 27.

It came from jitterbugging in the 1930s when couples danced in an especially vigorous fashion which when done on a carpet gave the impression of cutting or gashing the rug. Quick stepping dancers are said to cut a rug. Use a straight edge 1 1 2 2 from the crease and score the rug. To cut a rug is a term that became popular jargon in the 1920 s when young persons much as they do today developed their own jargon or slang for use in their own peer groups.

I was wondering if anyone knew the origin of the phrase cut a rug meaning to dance or to dance well. For example john can really cut a rug. 1991 ron alexander a step back to supper clubs and swing new york times 15 dec. Get the cut a rug neck gaiter and mug.

Cut a rug posted by esc on june 02 2011 at 00 42. To sweep something under the rug in the figurative sense is from 1954. Earlier in same sense was cut the grass under one s feet 1580s. To dance really well and impress others.

Definition of cut a rug old fashioned slang. Hopefully the picture below explains it better.