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jitney

, especially one with a scheduled fixed route.

ˈd͡ʒɪtni, ˈʒiː-Documented since 1880sSilenthistoricalCurrent107 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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3 definitions
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1886 · 1 year of recorded use
1886Born2026: 2 citationsToday, 2026

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Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

, especially one with a scheduled fixed route.

For parents

Jitney means: , especially one with a scheduled fixed route.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up. For most families this word will pass by without incident; it is more a vocabulary curiosity than a parenting concern.

For ESL learners

jitney means: , especially one with a scheduled fixed route.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

Cluster: general
Heard in the wild
  • “Italian-language version of Wilson’s ‘Jitney’ stops in Pittsburgh https://www.newsbeep.com/us-pa/185191/ There is no Italian word for “jitney.” But the 1982 August Wilson play named for Pittsburgh’s brand of…”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Italian-language version of Wilson’s ‘Jitney’ stops in Pittsburgh https://www.europesays.com/us/777062/ There is no Italian word for “jitney.” But the 1982 August Wilson play named for Pittsburgh’s brand of…#us #news #usnews”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

, an unlicensed taxi.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(US, archaic) , a 5-cent coin or amount.

Origin: 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 ; it is believed to originate from , from , 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 pronunciation. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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For specific readers

Jitney means: , especially one with a scheduled fixed route.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up. For most families this word will pass by without incident; it is more a vocabulary curiosity than a parenting concern.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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