and all that jazz

A

and all that jazz (idiom)
/ænd ɔːl ðæt dʒæz/

Meaning

• And other things like that.
• Refers to additional things of a similar nature that are not specifically named.
• Implies continuation of a list without detailing every item.
• Conveys the idea of “and so on” or “et cetera” in a casual or informal tone.
• Used to summarize related topics or activities already introduced in conversation.

Example Sentences

1. We packed sandwiches, drinks, sunscreen, and all that jazz for the beach trip.
2. She’s into yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and all that jazz these days.
3. They were talking about stocks, mutual funds, crypto, and all that jazz like experts.
4. He loves old films, vintage cars, swing music, and all that jazz.

Origin and History

The expression “and all that jazz” is commonly used to mean “and other similar things” or “and so on.” Its origins are intertwined with the history of the word “jazz” itself, which has a complex and debated etymology.

Early Usage of the Term “Jazz”

The earliest documented use of the word “jazz” dates back to a 1912 article in the Los Angeles Times. In this article, a minor league baseball pitcher named Ben Henderson described a new pitch he had developed, calling it a “jazz ball” because it wobbles and is difficult to hit.

Transition of “Jazz” into Music

By 1915, the term “jazz” began appearing in a musical context. The Chicago Daily Tribune documented its use, and by November 1916, the Times-Picayune in New Orleans referred to “jas bands,” indicating the term’s association with a new style of music emerging in the region.

Emergence of the Phrase “And All That Jazz”

The specific phrase “and all that jazz” gained widespread popularity with the 1975 musical Chicago, particularly through the opening song titled “All That Jazz.” This song and its lyrics brought the phrase into the mainstream, solidifying its place in popular culture.

Theories on the Origin of the Phrase

Several theories attempt to explain the origin of the phrase “and all that jazz”:

1. Musical Origins: Given the association of “jazz” with a genre characterized by improvisation and variety, the phrase may have naturally evolved to encapsulate the idea of “and all related things,” reflecting the diverse elements present in jazz music.
2. Theatrical Slang: It’s possible that the phrase originated in theatrical circles, where performers used “and all that jazz” to refer to song-and-dance routines or the razzle-dazzle aspects of a performance. Over time, it may have been adopted by the general public to denote similar concepts.
3. Linguistic Evolution: The phrase could have emerged as a linguistic variation of existing expressions like “and all that stuff” or “and all that rot,” with “jazz” being inserted as a trendy term of the era.

Synonyms

1. and so on
2. and such like
3. and the like
4. and whatnot
5. et cetera
6. and everything else
7. and the rest of it

Variants

• all that jazz
• and all this jazz
• and all that stuff
• and all that nonsense
• and all that rot
• and all those things

Music