You�ve got me on this one. I tried to research it a little, but came up with basically nothing. I�m guessing it�s a play on words (chigger / Ni&&er/ zoo ?), butn can� treally give you anything definitive. It does appear to be a real "playground chant" that was used in the work, but I don�t know it�s roots (sadly, Texas and the deep South had very open and accepted racism in those times).

 

Sorry I couldn�t help more, your question is very intriguing, maybe some of our other literature and slang experts could help.

 

Douglas

Hello Sophia,

I�m working on Ruby Bridges too at the moment,the word you�re looking for is "jigaboo" :Another racial slur referring to black people. Comes from a Bantu (African) word meaning meek, or servile (i.e. a slave).

Nathalie