rubberneck etymology

Etymology:

• Origin: American English
• Coined in 1891

Meaning:

• To crane one's neck to look at something unusual or interesting, especially in a slowed-down vehicle or on foot

Origin:

The term "rubberneck" emerged in the late 1800s as rubber-tired vehicles became increasingly common. As people in horse-drawn carriages and wagons witnessed the early automobiles, they would often slow down to get a better look. This behavior was satirized in newspaper articles of the time, with one particularly popular piece by author Maurice Thompson in Munsey's Magazine (1891) using the term "rubberneck" to describe the curious spectators.

The phrase gained widespread usage and eventually became a standard English word. It is still used today to refer to anyone who slows down or stops to gawk at something unexpected or unusual.

rubberneck relate terms

• neck

  Etymology The word neck originates from the Old English word hnocca which referred t

• collar

  Etymology The word collar originates from the Old French word collere meaning neck

• stiff necked

  Etymology Stiff adjective Old English stif rigid stiff unbending Neck noun Ol

• rubber

  Etymology The word rubber comes from the 18th century English word rub or rubber w