In Christy’s or Christy Minstrels, sometimes shortly Christys. The name of a troupe of minstrels imitating negroes, originated by one George Christy of New York; afterwards in popular use extended to any similar company with blackened faces, who sing negro melodies accompanied by the banjo and bones, and interspersed with droll jokes.
Hence Christy minstrelsy.
1873. Miss Broughton, Nancy, III. 191. What are they?… Who are they? Are they Christy Minstrels?
1875. Ruskin, Fors Clav., VI. 12. You have all made Artificial Blacks of yourselves, and unmelodious Christys.
1876. Hallberger’s Illust. Mag., 664 (Hoppe). Christy minstrelsy … a rather unclassical but popular species of concert in America.
