Joyriding: meaning, definitions and examples
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joyriding
[ ˈdʒɔɪˌraɪdɪŋ ]
illegal activity
Joyriding refers to the act of stealing a vehicle and driving it for enjoyment rather than with the intention of selling it or keeping it permanently. This activity is often associated with youthful thrill-seekers who take a stolen car out for a ride, frequently leading to reckless driving and potential accidents. Joyriding can also encompass the experience of driving fast or performing stunts in a vehicle, even if it is legally owned. It is often seen as a deviant behavior among adolescents, but it can have serious legal consequences.
Synonyms
auto theft, car theft, theft.
Examples of usage
- The police arrested the teens for joyriding in a stolen car.
- After joyriding around the city, they returned the car to its original location.
- Many films depict joyriding as a rebellious teenage adventure.
- The thrill of joyriding can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Translations
Translations of the word "joyriding" in other languages:
🇵🇹 condução imprudente
🇮🇳 कार चोरी करना
🇩🇪 Freifahrten
🇮🇩 pencurian mobil
🇺🇦 катання на краденому автомобілі
🇵🇱 kradzież samochodu
🇯🇵 joyriding
🇫🇷 conduite imprudente
🇪🇸 conducción temeraria
🇹🇷 araba hırsızlığı
🇰🇷 불법 주행
🇸🇦 قيادة غير مسؤولة
🇨🇿 neoprávněné užívání vozidla
🇸🇰 neoprávnené užívanie vozidla
🇨🇳 非法驾驶
🇸🇮 nezakonita vožnja
🇮🇸 ólögleg akstur
🇰🇿 заңсыз жүргізу
🇬🇪 სავაჭრო მანქანის მართვა
🇦🇿 qeyri-qanuni sürmə
🇲🇽 conducción imprudente
Etymology
The term 'joyriding' emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, with its usage notably increasing in the 1960s. The word combines 'joy', meaning enjoyment or happiness, with 'riding', which refers to the act of driving a vehicle. Initially, the term carried a lighter connotation, suggesting a fun ride rather than an illegal act. However, over time, it has become closely associated with the criminal aspect of unauthorized vehicle use. The rise of joyriding coincided with the increasing availability of automobiles and the burgeoning youth culture that sought thrill and rebellion against societal norms. As cars became more accessible to younger demographics, instances of joyriding also increased, leading to more significant discussions about juvenile delinquency and the consequences of such behavior. The activity itself highlights various social issues, including the quest for excitement, peer pressure, and the lack of responsibility among youth. Today, joyriding is recognized not only as a crime but also as a public safety concern.