hitchhike
UK: ˈhɪtʃhaɪk | US: ˈhɪtʃhaɪk
vi. to travel by getting free rides from passing vehicles
vt. to signal for a free ride from a passing vehicle
hitchhike = hitch<to hook or fasten> + hike<to walk or travel>
- hitch: From Middle English hicchen (to move jerkily), later evolving to mean "to hook or fasten temporarily." In this context, it metaphorically implies "catching" a ride.
- hike: From Old English hicgan (to strive) and later influenced by dialectal hyke (to walk vigorously). Here, it retains the sense of "traveling."
Etymology Origin:
The word hitchhike emerged in early 20th-century America, combining hitch (suggesting a temporary connection, like hitching a ride) and hike (referring to travel). It reflects the practice of travelers signaling drivers to "hook" onto their journey, blending practicality with colloquial creativity.
She decided to hitchhike across Europe after graduating.
They hitchhiked to the festival to save money on transportation.
Hitchhiking is less common now due to safety concerns.
He stood by the roadside, thumb out, trying to hitchhike.
The documentary explores the culture of hitchhiking in the 1960s.