bumper etymology

Etymology:

The word "bumper" has multiple etymologies:

• From the Middle English word "boumpere," meaning "a large piece of wood used to protect a ship's hull." This term was later used to refer to the metal bars at the front and rear of cars.
• From the Middle English word "bumpere," meaning "a drinker who drinks excessively." This term was transferred to the part of a car that protects the occupants during a collision.
• Possibly from the Old English word "bumpan," meaning "to strike or knock."

Meaning:

A bumper is a safety device attached to the front and rear of a vehicle, designed to absorb impact in a collision and protect the occupants and the structural integrity of the vehicle. It also serves as a cosmetic enhancement, contributing to the vehicle's overall appearance.

Origin:

The use of bumpers on automobiles dates back to the early days of motoring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially, bumpers were made of wood or iron and were primarily designed to protect the vehicle's bodywork from damage caused by minor collisions. Over time, bumpers evolved to become more substantial and sophisticated, featuring energy-absorbing materials and integrated with the vehicle's crumple zone design for improved occupant safety.

bumper relate terms

• bump

  Etymology The word bump is derived from the Middle English word bompen which means

• nerf

  Etymology The term nerf is derived from the German word nerfe which in turn is belie

• glass

  Etymology of Glass The word glass traces its roots back to several ancient languages

• truck

  Etymology The word truck has Dutch and French origins Dutch trok or truk meani

• machine

  Etymology of Machine The word machine originates from the Greek term mekhane which

• automobile

  Etymology The word automobile is derived from the Greek words autos αὐτός

• crop

  Etymology The word crop comes from the Middle English word cropp which in turn deri

• dilemma

  Etymology From Latin dilemma from Greek dílēmma meaning double proposition or

• bolt

  Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t