Show X term jitney traced to loui louisiana siana negroes the word jitney which lias bas been used intermittently and in various sections of the united states for many years and which suddenly sprang into general use at the time the 5 cent busses and ami flivvers were striving to settle the local traille problems of many cities had a curious origin A minstrel troupe troup ewas was pluming playing ill hi allu ill ton rouge la lit in a theater where the highest gallery was reserved tor for negroes no gallery tickets were sold it member of the troupe being placed lit the door to take cash the door was in a n poorly lighted apace tind anil later the collector discovered two score core s of plain metal disks the size sl z 0 of a 5 15 cent piece that alai been bee n passed as nickels one of the minstrels showed the disks to a negro who explained denis dems jitneys jit they were jentons the metal disks used as markers arkers tu in a gambling house A negro attendant had stolen tile jet toni and was passing them as money ahe 1 ho minstrel troupe seized upon the word and thereafter a scent 5 cent piece dice e was waa a jitney and the word spread of until it came into common use liberty |