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Jay vs Jag - What's the difference?

jay | jag |

As a proper noun jay

is a nickname for james, jason, or for any male name beginning with a "j"; also used as a formal given name.

As an acronym jag is

(legal|military) judge advocate general.

jay

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) jay, from (etyl) jai . More at (l).

Noun

(en noun)
  • Any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to several genera within the family Corvidae, including Garrulus'', ''Cyanocitta , allied to the crows, but smaller, more graceful in form, often handsomely colored, usually having a crest, and often noisy.
  • Other birds of similar appearance and behavior.
  • (archaic) A dull or ignorant person.
  • (slang) A marijuana cigarette; a joint.
  • * 2009 , (Caitlin Moran), The Times , 23 Mar 2009:
    • Although sympathetic, my main reaction was to think: “Some people can handle it, and some people can’t,” and then smugly light up a big fat jay .
    Synonyms
    * (bird) Jenny jay, jay pie, k, kae (UK); bluejay, whisky jack (US)
    Hyponyms
    * (bird) Old World jay, gray jay, American jay
    See also
    * (projectlink) * (Corvidae)
    Derived terms
    * blue jay, bluejay * Canada jay * California jay * Florida jay * green jay * jay thrush * jaywalker

    Etymology 2

    Respelling of the letter .

    Noun

    (en noun)
    • See also
    *
    Derived terms
    * deejay * jaycee

    References

    *

    jag

    English

    Etymology 1

    The noun is from late (etyl) jagge, the verb is from jaggen.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A sharp projection.
  • * Holland
    • garments thus beset with long jags
  • A part broken off; a fragment.
    • (Bishop Hacket)
  • (botany) A cleft or division.
  • (Scotland) A medical injection.
    • Derived terms
    * (l)

    Verb

  • To cut unevenly.
  • (Pittsburgh) To tease.

    • Etymology 2

    Circa 1597; originally "load of broom or furze", variant of British English dialectal , of unknown origin.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A binge or period of overindulgence; a spree.
  • * 1939 , (Raymond Chandler), The Big Sleep , Penguin 2011, p. 88:
    • ‘People who spend their money for second-hand sex jags are as nervous as dowagers who can't find the rest-room.’
  • a one-horse cart load, or, in modern times, a truck load, of hay or wood.

    • See also

    * Jag * JAG

    Anagrams

    * ----