The French word “haquenée,” which describes a horse that is simple to ride, is where the English word “hack” first appeared. A hackney was a horse-drawn vehicle that could be rented in the 19th century. Later, the driver of these carriages was referred to as a “hack”. The word “hack” eventually started to refer to any vehicle that was for rent.
When referring to taxis in the early 20th century, the word “hack” was frequently employed. A more recent mode of transportation than a horse-drawn carriage, taxis were more practical and effective. Like the ancient hackneys, they could be rented out as well. As a result, people started calling cabs “hacks.”
It’s interesting to note that various modes of transportation have also been referred to as “hacks” all across the world. A three-wheeled taxi in the Philippines is referred to as a “tricycle cab” or even a “trike.” An everyday form of transportation in India is the rickshaw, also referred to as a “tuk-tuk.” In some parts of Africa, a bicycle taxi is referred to as a “boda-boda.”
A “toque” is a style of hat that is frequently worn in Canada during the winter. The word’s etymology is unknown, however it is thought to have originated from the French word “toque,” which denotes a chef’s hat. In Quebec, the term “toque” is also used to describe a knit cap worn during cooler weather.
In conclusion, the history of the word “hack” is fascinating and is directly related to the transportation sector. Though it is no longer frequently used to refer to taxis, it is nevertheless a part of the global vocabulary of transportation. The term “hack” has been used to denote a wide range of vehicles for hire, from three-wheeled taxis to bicycle taxis.
The definition of the word “rickshaw” is not given in the article. However, the two-wheeled cart-like form of transportation known as a rickshaw, which originated in Japan, is normally pushed by a person on foot. It is also referred to as a “jinrikisha” or a “cycle rickshaw” in various locales.