Pickabacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pickabacked
[ˈpɪɡiˌbæk ]
Definition
idiomatic expression
To piggyback means to ride on the back of another person, usually in a playful or informal context. It can also refer to using or benefitting from something that someone else has created or initiated, such as an idea or event. This term is often used to describe a scenario where one party takes advantage of the work or effort of another. The expression can be used in various contexts including business, social situations, and informal games.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He piggybacked on his friend's success to gain recognition.
- The children loved to piggyback during their games.
- She decided to piggyback on the advertising campaign of a popular brand.
Translations
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Origin of 'pickabacked'
The term 'piggyback' originated in the 16th century, evolving from the phrase 'pick a back' which means 'to pick up and carry on one's back'. The word 'pig' is believed to have referred to a small, often playful manner akin to the way juvenile pigs might be carried or playfully handled. Over time, the term became colloquial, particularly in British English, where it was associated with carrying someone on one's back, usually in a fun or informal context. As language evolved, the term began to take on a broader meaning in various fields, including business and technology, to imply leveraging someone else's work or efforts for one's own benefit, hence the more figurative sense of 'piggybacking' on an idea or platform emerged. Today, the word reflects a blend of its playful origins and its modern applications in diverse contexts.