traded four's

A jazz phrase. To trade 4's means to alternate 4 bar phrases, usually of improvization.

Tonight I traded four's with a guy whistling Bolero tonight while walking down the street.

by smals October 25, 2010

trading fours

A jazz music term, indicating a pattern in which two solo instruments alternately play 4 measures each.

Engaging in senseless or pointless argument.

"You better move now little darlin' or you'll be
trading fours with the Jack of Speed" . . .
Steely Dan's 'Jack of Speed' from Two Against Nature, 2000

by James Cox November 4, 2006