jitney

== English == === Etymology === 1886, originally for a five-cent US coin (a nickel); use for taxis and buses due to these services originally charging five cents as fare, popularized circa 1915. The etymology is uncertain; it is believed to originate from Louisiana Creole jetnée, from French jeton (“token, coin-sized metal disc”), though this is disputed. Evidence for the Louisiana Creole French origin includes the geographic distribution (Southeastern US, especially Black/African-American), and early spelling as gitney, which is common French spelling for the /ʒi/ pronunciation. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈd͡ʒɪtni/, /ˈʒiː-/ === Noun === jitney (plural jitneys) (US, archaic) Synonym of nickel, a 5-cent coin or amount. Synonym of minibus, especially one with a scheduled fixed route. Synonym of gypsy cab, an unlicensed taxi. Synonym of shared taxi, a taxi usually shared with strangers to maximize profitability per trip. (Canada) An informal lawn bowling, curling, or darts competition in which all players present are randomly drawn into teams. (Can we clean up(+) this sense?) A fraudulent arrangement whereby a broker who has direct access to an exchange executes trades on behalf of a broker who does not. ==== Derived terms ==== === Adjective === jitney (not comparable) (US, archaic) Synonym of cheap, very inexpensive. === References ===