Joyrider: meaning, definitions and examples
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joyrider
[ ˈdʒɔɪˌraɪdər ]
criminal activity
A joyrider is a person who steals and drives a vehicle, usually for pleasure and not to commit a robbery or other crime. Typically, this activity is done with no intention of returning the vehicle. The act is often considered reckless and dangerous, as joyriders may drive fast, disregard traffic laws, and endanger themselves and others on the road.
Synonyms
car thief, motor vehicle thief, road criminal
Examples of usage
- The police apprehended the joyrider after a high-speed chase.
- Joyriders often leave a trail of damage in their wake.
- He was charged with joyriding for taking his friend's car without permission.
- The community was alarmed by the recent rise in joyrider incidents.
Translations
Translations of the word "joyrider" in other languages:
🇵🇹 motorista imprudente
🇮🇳 खुशियों की सवारी करने वाला
🇩🇪 Freerider
🇮🇩 pengemudi nakal
🇺🇦 підліток, що краде і їздить на автомобілі
🇵🇱 jeździec radości
🇯🇵 ドライバー
🇫🇷 conducteur imprudent
🇪🇸 conductor imprudente
🇹🇷 bencil sürücü
🇰🇷 무단 운전사
🇸🇦 سائق متهور
🇨🇿 nebezpečný řidič
🇸🇰 nezodpovedný vodič
🇨🇳 危险驾驶者
🇸🇮 nepreviden voznik
🇮🇸 óábyrgi
🇰🇿 қауіпті жүргізуші
🇬🇪 რისკიანი მძღოლები
🇦🇿 təhlükəli sürücü
🇲🇽 conductor imprudente
Etymology
The term 'joyrider' emerged in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, in connection with the rise of car culture and youth rebellion. It combines the word 'joy,' meaning pleasure or happiness, with 'rider,' indicating someone who drives or operates a vehicle. Initially, it described young individuals who stole cars to drive for fun, often without concern for the repercussions. Joyriding became associated with dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, reckless maneuvers, and evading law enforcement. The phenomenon brought attention to broader social issues, including youth delinquency and the lack of safe recreational spaces for young people. Over time, the legal system has sought to address joyriding through various laws and regulations.