stowaway etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: stowey," "person stowed away on board a ship"
  • Old Norse: stǫðugr, "standing, steady"

Meaning:

A stowaway is a person who hides on a vehicle, such as a ship, train, or airplane, in order to travel illegally. They are often trying to avoid paying for a ticket or to get to a destination that they would not be able to reach otherwise.

Origin:

The term "stowaway" first appeared in the 15th century, when it was used to describe people who hid on board ships to avoid paying for passage. At the time, it was common for people to travel by ship, and many ships were overcrowded and uncomfortable. Stowaways would often hide in the hold of the ship, where they would be out of sight and could avoid detection.

Over time, the term "stowaway" has been used to describe people who hide on other types of vehicles, such as trains and airplanes. Today, stowaways are still a problem, and they can pose a security risk. Stowaways can be dangerous because they can be used to smuggle contraband or to carry out terrorist attacks.

stowaway relate terms

  • away

    Etymology The word away is derived from the Old English word awæg which is a compo

  • stow

    Etymology Middle English stowen from Old English stōw of Germanic origin related to O

  • hideaway

    Etymology The word hideaway is a compound word derived from two Old English words Hi

  • hide

  • away

    Etymology The word away is derived from the Old English word awæg which is a compo

  • runaway

    Etymology Late Middle English as a noun from run v away adv The verb sense

  • stowaway

    Etymology Middle English stowey person stowed away on board a ship Old Norse stǫ

  • passenger

    Etymology The word passenger comes from the Old French word passager which in turn

  • rider

    Etymology The word rider has multiple etymologies Old English ridere meaning on

  • pastoral

    Etymology The word pastoral derives from the Latin word pastor meaning shepherd I

  • restaurant

    Etymology The word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer which means to

  • oblique

    Etymology Origin Latin obliquus slanting transverse Root Proto Indo European lab

  • glitch

    Etymology Originally a sudden involuntary movement of a muscle or group of muscles

  • deacon

    Etymology Middle English dekene Old French diacre Latin diaconus Greek διάκον

  • market

    Etymology The word market is derived from the Late Latin word mercatus meaning trad