[Ads-l] shindig (1841)

[Ben Zimmer]

OED2 has "shindig" from 1859, while GDoS and M-W date it to 1842.

https://greensdictofslang.com/entry/dplagba
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shindig

Here are "shin digs" from 1841, suggesting a Midwestern origin.

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https://www.newspapers.com/article/kalamazoo-gazette-shin-digs/175077492/
Kalamazoo [Mich.] Gazette, Mar. 12, 1841, p. 2, col. 5
SHIN DIGS.-- These kind of dances have become quite fashionable of late in
Detroit, and are commonly attended by members of the Legislature. On our
way from Detroit last week, we attended one at Cross's tavern, and as soon
as we can prepare our notes taken on the occasion, we shall give a somewhat
curious description of the different characters who played the various
parts. Kissing girls into a ring, and then kissing them out again, is what
struck our fancy. --_Port Huron Observer_.
'Shin digs!' what are they? Oh! we have an indistinct recollection of
attending one in our younger days, where the operation referred to in the
latter part of the above article, was repeated time and again, as though
they could never get tired of it. We _understand_ that they have been
considerably common in and about these diggings during the past winter, but
alas! we have not had the good fortune to be present at any of them. Should
we attend one, however, folks may look out for a _snorter_, for we are a
'buster' at describing such scenes.
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[Columbus] Ohio Statesman, Apr. 7, 1841, p. 2, col. 1 [Genealogybank]
"Shin Digs" are said to have flourished most luxuriously out west, the past
winter. The fun of the performance consists in kissing the girls into a
ring, and then kissing them out again. In a regular built "dig" this
operation is performed from eight to ten times.
--Music by the ring, during the performance. (_Adv._)
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--bgz

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