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where did the term jagoff come from

by Antonietta Turcotte Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Jagoff is derived from the Scots-Irish word “jag,” which means “thorn” or “to be pricked.” Which is exactly what a jagoff is: a thorn in your side, a person who won't stop needling you. It's no more offensive than “jerk” or “dunderhead.” The word also has a deep history in Chicago.Nov 14, 2019

What is jagoff?

A jagoff is a jerk, idiot, or really any kind of irritating or unlikeable person, not unlike douchebag. It's closely associated with the city of Pittsburgh, ya jagoff.

What is the origin of the word jag?

Another theory, though, connects jag to another term for “poke,” which can be an annoying action. It’s recorded as early as 1931 for “someone who steals petty items” and in 1938 for an “idiot” more generally.

What is the origin of the word'jag'?

It is derived from the verb "to jag". which means "to prick or poke". Johnstone said that among local Pittsburghers, "Nobody thinks of these derivatives of 'jag' as obscene", though non-local fellow Americans often mishear "jagoff" as the much more offensive slang term " jack off ".

Did Mark Cuban call Donald Trump a ‘jagoff’?

On July 30, 2016, Pittsburgh native Mark Cuban, a technology entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, referred to Trump as a "jagoff" during a speech in Pittsburgh, adding "Is there any bigger jagoff in the world than Donald Trump?" Cuban later endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States.

Is jagoff a Chicago term?

Jagoff or jag-off is an American English derogatory slang term from Pittsburghese meaning a person who is a jerk, stupid or inept. It is most prominent in the Pittsburgh area and Pennsylvania in general, along with wide use in the City of Chicago, particularly in the Irish taverns.

Is the jagoff a curse word?

While its origin, jack-off, is considered profane, jagoff isn't, though it may be often mistaken as obscene among the unfamiliar. It's still a term of abuse and can be offensive, and it sees plenty of use among Pennsylvanians when they are frustrated by those annoying people in their lives.

What is the meaning of a jagoff?

"Jagoff," is officially defined as: "(chiefly in western Pennsylvania) a stupid, irritating, or contemptible person." The entry goes on to explain the origin of the word, as "from jackoff, perhaps influenced by jag."

Why is it called a Gumband?

Origin: The source language is English. 'Gum' is a common alternative for 'rubber', as in 'gum boots' and 'gumshoe'. It is possible that rubber bands were originally sold in the Pittsburgh area under the trade name 'gumband'. Source: Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE).

Do people in Buffalo say jagoff?

The word was "Jagoff" and while people here in WNY do use it, it is more of a Western PA word.

What is a Yinzer in Pittsburgh?

"Yinzer" (or "Yunzer") was historically used to identify the typical blue-collar people from the Pittsburgh region who often spoke with a heavy Pittsburghese accent. The term stems from the word yinz (or yunz), a second-person plural pronoun brought to the area by early Scottish-Irish immigrants.

What does YINZ stand for?

Yinz is a Pittsburgh equivalent to y'all. It is used to address two or more people as a second-person plural pronoun.

Where did Term Nebby come from?

The phrase to be nebby is heard particularly in Western Pennsylvania, and means to be “picky” or “gossipy.” Originally, it meant “nosy” or “snooping.” Nebby is a vestige of Scots-Irish, where the word neb means “nose” or “beak.” This is part of a complete episode.

What does slippy mean in Pittsburgh?

SlipperySlippy = Slippery “Careful: The sidewalk is slippy.”

What does jumbo mean in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, we have always referred to baloney/bologna as jumbo. Fried or not.. it was jumbo! So why do Pittsburghers call it jumbo? Word has it that the Pittsburghese version isa derivative of 'jumbo bologna,' which was originally a trade name of the product sold by Isaly's (also famous for it's chipped ham..

What does 412 mean in slang?

This trio of digits is no longer just a telephone area code. It's an identity. The 412 is a catchy moniker for all things Pittsburgh and April 12 is the natural day to celebrate it. Nothing seems to legitimize a trend more than a social media hashtag so #412Day was born. Our sports teams are on board.

What does "jag off" mean?

Jagoff or jag-off is an American English derogatory slang term from Pittsburghese meaning a person who is stupid or inept. It is most prominent in the Pittsburgh area and Pennsylvania in general. The Dictionary of American Regional English defines the term as a "general term of disparagement". It is an archetypical Pittsburgh word, conjuring ...

Who is the guy who referred to Donald Trump as a "jagoff"?

On July 30, 2016, Pittsburgh native Mark Cuban, a technology entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, referred to Trump as a "jagoff" during a speech in Pittsburgh, adding "Is there any bigger jagoff in the world than Donald Trump?". Cuban later endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States.

What episode does KVN say "Jagoff"?

The artificial intelligence, H.U.E., states that "KVN is a jag-off, Gary.". The term was used in season one, episode twelve of The Good Place, where character Eleanor Shellstrop says to an activist outside a grocery store, "look what you made me do, jagoff.".

Who is the guy who called John Buccigross a "jagoff"?

Controversies over the term. In 2010, Pittsburgh -native and coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, John Calipari raised hackles in the media when he jokingly referred to fellow Pittsburgher John Buccigross as a "jagoff". In 2012, David Shribman, a Massachusetts native and executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, ...

Where did the word "Pittsburgh" come from?

According to Barbara Johnstone, professor of English and linguistics at Carnegie Mellon University, the term has its roots in the northern British Isles, an area that supplied many immigrants to Pittsburgh.

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