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.
Cut a rug meaning origin.
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.
Cutting a rug does indeed refer to dancing.
Cut a rug to dance especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century1991 ron alexander a step back to supper clubs and swing new york times 15 dec.
2008 young generation patrons seem to be as fascinated watching the more mature dancers cut a rug.
Most of those on the crowded dance floor cutting the rug were over 50.
If you cut a rug or cut the rug you dance in a lively and energetic way.
Cut a rug posted by esc on june 02 2011 at 00 42.
On february 13 2005.
Posted by baceseras on june 04 2011 at 14 27.
Whatever the origins of the idea of dancing enough to cut a rug may be the term is charmingly descriptive.
Posted by pam on february 13 2005 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.
The 1920s was an era in which more vigorous dances began to be popular and the idea that young people were dancing so robustly that the carpets were in danger may have been held by more traditionalist dancers.
It means to dance.