"Did I get jiggy with Will? I would have to say no! Did I have fun with Will? I would have to say yeah! But you know, I did not jig with the man, if you know what I'm saying!"
About this Quote
The quote by Bruce Greenwood represents a playful and funny way to resolve reports or questions about a possible romantic or intimate participation with somebody, in this case, Will. The language used is casual and colloquial, with "get jiggy" being an expression promoted in the late 1990s, largely through the music and persona of Will Smith himself, particularly his hit tune "Gettin' Jiggy wit It". In the cultural context, "get jiggy" has actually been analyzed to imply getting involved romantically or totally, although in more playful or less formal language.
Greenwood's response is structured to be both clear and entertaining. The duplicated phrase structure ("Did I.? I would have to state ...") establishes a rhythm that makes the action engaging. By saying "I would need to say no!" in response to whether he got "jiggy" with Will, Greenwood unquestionably denies any intimate participation, using humor to diffuse any ramifications or misconceptions.
However, he follows this by stating, "Did I have fun with Will? I would have to say yeah!" This part of the action acknowledges a friendly and enjoyable interaction with Will. Greenwood is emphasizing a positive relationship without romantic or physical connotations, reinforcing the idea that relationships can be satisfying and enjoyable without crossing into love.
Finally, by saying, "But you understand, I did not jig with the guy, if you know what I'm stating!" Greenwood uses a funny double affirmation to make sure clearness. The expression "if you understand what I'm saying" acts as a conversational bookmark-- it's a friendly nudge to the audience, confirming that the lively tone is deliberate and reinforcing his earlier rejection. Through this lively storytelling, Greenwood conveys the essence of his relationship with Will while engaging the audience with humor and wit.