Lowboy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lowboy

[loʊbɔɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

equipment transport

A lowboy is a type of trailer with a low deck that is designed to transport heavy equipment. The low height of the trailer allows for transporting tall equipment without exceeding height regulations. Typically, lowboys are used to transport earth-moving machinery, construction equipment, and oversized loads. They are characterized by their two drops in the deck, which provides a very low loading height and makes loading and unloading easier.

Synonyms

flatbed, low-loader, trailer.

Examples of usage

  • The contractor ordered a lowboy to transport the excavator.
  • We need a lowboy for the oversized shipping container.
  • The lowboy made it easy to load the bulldozer onto the truck.
  • He drives a lowboy to move heavy machinery across the state.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Designed to be more convenient for everyday use, lowboys were popular in the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s in American colonial homes.
  • They often featured ornate carvings and were made of local woods, showcasing craftsmanship of the period.

Design and Style

  • Lowboys typically have a surface on top that can be used for decorative items, making them practical in both function and style.
  • In design, they often reflect the style of the time period they were made in, ranging from Baroque to modern minimalist aesthetics.

Art and Culture

  • Lowboys can sometimes feature styles influenced by European art movements, showing how culture impacts furniture design.
  • They are often depicted in still-life paintings and photographs from historical periods, emphasizing their function in domestic life.

Contemporary Usage

  • In modern interior design, lowboys are often used to support a TV or display decorative pieces in a living space.
  • Many new designs incorporate multifunctionality, serving as both storage and a stylish accent in a room.

Origin of 'lowboy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'lowboy' comes from the 18th century, combining 'low' for its height and 'boy,' an old term for a young man, often used to describe furniture styles.
  • It is related to 'highboy,' which is a taller piece of furniture with a similar design, representing different storage options based on height.

The term 'lowboy' originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is believed to derive from the combination of 'low' referring to its low height and 'boy' which historically refers to a type of vehicle or conveyance. The design of lowboys allowed for practical solutions to transportation challenges posed by large, heavy machinery that were becoming more prevalent in industries such as construction and agriculture. As the roads became more modernized, lowboys evolved to accommodate the increasing size and weight of new equipment, leading to various configurations and specialized designs catering to specific transportation needs. The lowboy has since become a staple in the transportation industry for moving heavy loads efficiently.