Alligator: A devotee of jazz or swing music. Perhaps alludes to sharp-dressing with alligator leather
Chops Noun. Refers to any musician's level of ability.Originates from the physical changes that occur in a brass player's mouth and
lips. Also a term used for a musician who had significantly improved his/her playing. E.g., "I got my chops up". Chops can also refer to general ability in any skill. E.g., "Yo', I found a lawyer who has the chops to get George Shearing a driver's license!"
G-man Government man. Especially ones who arrest or harass peaceful citizens.
Gate Noun. Any man. usually used as a greeting. "Yo' gate, what's the word from the herd?".
Gatemouth A hornplayer who has a large mouth or a mouth that is habitually open. Playing brass instruments often results in larger cheeks and a calus on the
player's lip.
Hep In the know. Later, hip.
Hep cat
Knowledgeable person. Later, hipster.
Jeff- opposite of hip
Vipers is onomatopoeic from sssssst — the sound made by an inhaling pot-smoker or a snake.
Zoot suit
Named in the rhyming way of jive talk: "a Zoot Suit with a reat pleat, with
a drape shape". With a generous cut but tight cuffs, this was popular with
dancers of the swing era.