Gibe refers to taunts or derisive remarks. It functions as both a verb (to taunt) and a noun (taunt). Jibe has a nautical use (relating to turning the sail to go on an opposite tack), but it’s most often used to mean agree or to be in accord. Jive refers to either jazz music, dancing, or nonsense talk, although it often sounds archaic or ironic in its non-dancing-related senses. It functions as both a noun (for the dance, music, or talk) and a verb (to engage in the dance, music, or talk). Gybe is an alternative spelling of the nautical sense of jibe. Most of us will never have to use it.
Examples
These writers use gibe correctly:
Members lightheartedly gibed Valeriote when he said they joined the cause “with little or no convincing.” [Guelph Mercury]
For all the insults hurled at “Disneyland with the death penalty” (to use William Gibson’s gibe), Singapore provides better schools and hospitals and safer streets than most Western countries … [Economist]
Jive and gibe are often misused for jibe in the sense be in accord—for example:
That totally gibes with what a lot of readers told us when we asked whether they were less likely to fly this year … [MSNBC]
Their ethos doesn’t jive with Mitt Romney who instituted a public healthcare system in the great state of Massachusetts … [Death and Taxes]
These writers get it right:
How Conrad’s budget resolution will jibe with what Ryan puts out is anyone’s guess. [CNN]
You can, however, use “cultural fit” as a catchall when your personality doesn’t jibe with a team or organisation. [Business Daily Africa]
These writers use jive well:
We’re guessing not too many are tuning in to see Mike Catherwood do the jive. [Los Angeles Times]
Because, brother, that was some slick jive you just laid down tonight. [comment on Big Government]
Soviet Delegate Andrei Vishinsky revealed in the General Assembly Thursday that he is hep to American jive. [The Times-News]
That last example, from 1953, demonstrates that jive was already being used ironically over half a century ago.
