Chauffeuse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chauffeuse

[ʃoʊˈfɜːz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

professional driver

A chauffeuse is a female professional driver who is employed to drive a private car or limousine for a wealthy individual or a company executive. Chauffeuses are responsible for transporting their clients safely and comfortably to their destinations, providing a high level of service and professionalism.

Synonyms

female chauffeur, private driver.

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Word Description / Examples
chauffeuse

It is a technical term for a small armchair designed particularly for women. It is used in contexts related to furniture and design.

  • The antique store had a beautifully upholstered chauffeuse
female chauffeur

This phrase is used specifically when you want to emphasize the gender of the chauffeur. It is often used in neutral or descriptive contexts.

  • They hired a female chauffeur for their daughter
private driver

This term is used when referring to a person who is employed to drive someone around, usually in a personal or upscale setting. It is gender-neutral and commonly used in modern language.

  • She felt safer knowing she had a private driver for the evening

Examples of usage

  • She worked as a chauffeuse for a wealthy businesswoman.
  • The chauffeuse drove the CEO to the airport in a luxury car.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • The role of chauffeuse highlights evolving gender roles as women increasingly enter fields traditionally dominated by men.
  • In cinema and literature, female drivers are often portrayed as empowered characters, symbolizing freedom and independence.
  • Throughout history, women have taken on driving roles in various movements, including suffragists who drove for change and visibility.

Modern Context

  • With the rise of rideshare apps, the profession of driving has become more accessible to women, and the term 'chauffeuse' is becoming more recognized.
  • Female drivers in luxury services are often perceived as providing exceptional experience and care to their passengers.
  • Advocacy for women's rights and representation continues to impact the perception and acceptance of roles like 'chauffeuse' in society.

Historical Context

  • In the early 20th century, women began to be recognized as capable drivers, challenging societal norms about gender and transportation.
  • World War II saw many women driving military vehicles, paving the way for acceptance of women in driving professions post-war.
  • The presence of women in the workforce, especially in driving, expanded significantly during the 1960s and 70s, reflecting wider social changes.

Literature and Media

  • Books and films have often romanticized the idea of a chauffeuse, portraying her as a figure of sophistication and mystery.
  • Classic films feature female drivers in roles that symbolize strength, independence, and rebellion against traditional gender roles.
  • In modern media, female drivers are often depicted as empowered individuals who navigate both personal and professional realms seamlessly.

Origin of 'chauffeuse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from French, where 'chauffeur' means 'driver' and 'chauffeuse' is its feminine form.
  • Originally, 'chauffeur' referred to a person who operated steam engines, connecting to the idea of driving.
  • In some cultures, the use of gender-specific terms like 'chauffeuse' emphasizes the role of women in traditionally male-dominated professions.

The term 'chauffeuse' is derived from the French word 'chauffeur' which originally meant a stoker of a steam engine, but later evolved to mean a driver of a motor vehicle. The feminine form 'chauffeuse' specifically refers to a female professional driver. The role of a chauffeuse has been traditionally associated with providing transportation services for the wealthy and executives, ensuring a high level of comfort and safety for their clients.