skiffle, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

skiffle n.

also sciffle

[SE scuffle via dial. skiffle; music at such parties was provided by non-professional musicians; thus the skiffle groups (who were paid but performed on essentially homemade instruments) of the 1950s]

(US black) a party at which the guests pay a subscription to cover refreshments and to help the host out with the rent.

c.1930		Dan Burley and His Skiffle Boys [band name].
1936		D. Burley in Chicago Defender 5 Dec 14: They called dances ‘sciffles’ or ‘rags’.
1947		D. Burley N.Y. Amsterdam News 19 Apr. 19: When the landlord comes around for his portion and you ain’t got it [...] you give a Skiffle to raise the wherewithal. When the old lady hollers for a new fur coat [...] throw a Skiffle.
1950		N.Y. Age 15 July 5/2: Dan Burley [...] has a skiffle party each Tuesday night.
1957		Eve. Standard (Uniontown, PA) 16 July 7/3: Skiffle (which is jazz slang for a party, a blow-out, a brawl) [...] has taken Britain by storm.