pennyfarthing etymology

Etymology

The word "pennyfarthing" is a portmanteau of two coins:

• "Penny": A British copper coin worth one penny
• "Farthing": A British copper coin worth one-fourth of a penny

Meaning and Origin

A pennyfarthing is a type of bicycle that was popular in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its large front wheel and small rear wheel.

The name "pennyfarthing" refers to the relative sizes of the wheels. The large front wheel is like a penny, while the small rear wheel is like a farthing.

Pennyfarthings were invented in the early 1870s and quickly became popular due to their speed and efficiency. However, they were also notoriously difficult to ride and could be dangerous if the rider fell off. By the late 1880s, pennyfarthings were replaced by safer and more practical bicycles with two wheels of equal size.

Today, pennyfarthings are considered a historical curiosity and are rarely used for transportation. However, they are still popular with collectors and enthusiasts.

pennyfarthing relate terms

• farthing

  Etymology Middle English ferthyng ferthing Old English feorðing Old Saxon fiorðun

• penny

  Etymology The word penny originates from the Old English word penig which is deriv

• pence

  Etymology The word pence comes from the Latin denarius which referred to a silver co

• cent

  Etymology The word cent is derived from the Latin word centum meaning hundred Me

• bicycle

  Etymology Bicycle is derived from the following elements Bi Latin prefix meaning

• cycle

  Etymology The word cycle is derived from the Ancient Greek word κύκλος kyklos

• tricycle

  Etymology The word tricycle comes from Neo Latin tricyclus and is ultimately derived fr

• velocipede

  Etymology and Meaning Velocipede noun A two wheeled or four wheeled vehicle propelled

• pennyfarthing

  Etymology The word pennyfarthing is a portmanteau of two coins Penny A British co

• exorcism

  Etymology The word exorcism comes from the Greek word exorkizomai which means to a

• eminent

  Etymology Latin eminēre to stand out project Proto Indo European men to thin

• arithmetic

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• frank

  Etymology The name Frank originates from the Frankish word franc which means free

• cotton

  Etymology The word cotton originates from the Old French word coton which is ultima

• hunky dory

  Etymology Hunky Possibly from Hungarian hunk meaning brawn or muscle Dory Mea

• fail

  Etymology The word fail traces its origins back to the Latin verb fallere meaning

• picnic

  Etymology The word picnic is derived from the French phrase pique nique which means

• prodigal

  Etymology The word prodigal is derived from the Latin word prodīgus which means wa

• defenestration

  Etymology Latin defenestratio from de meaning down or out of and fenestra mea