Word Origins

 

*SHINDIG

Although one authority cites a purported Southern United States meaning of “a sharp blow on the shins,” this may only be a transferred meaning, from the appearance of the word to an accidental kick received during a spirited dance or party. It seems much more likely that a shindig is a US alteration of the much older British word shindy, which is preceded by shinty and shinny. This last is a ball game of the seventeenth century or older that somewhat resembles field hockey. Its name may have been derived from a call used in the game, “Shin ye! Shin you!” or from the Gaelic sinteag, “a skip, jump.”

Note: The ABC music variety show, Shindig!, was broadcast from 1964 to 1966 and featured many high-profile bands and soloists. The show had competition from NBC's Hullabaloo, which began in 1965.

*Inspired by Charles Funk (1881–1957)