Just FYI many people consider “Gypsy” a slur nowadays since it’s commonly used in regards to illegal behaviors (like running outlaw cab services). I understand your intent was not to offend, but this is perhaps why the parent referred to it by a different name. See more on Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_the_Romani_people
> Definition of jitney
> 1 : an unlicensed taxicab