Pickup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
pickup
[หpษชkสp ]
Definitions
in dating
A casual romantic or sexual encounter without a commitment.
Synonyms
casual encounter, fling, hookup.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pickup |
Also refers to the act of meeting someone new with a romantic or sexual interest, commonly used in casual or modern contexts, sometimes with a slight negative or opportunistic implication.
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| fling |
Implies a short-term, playful, and often carefree romantic or sexual relationship. Often used to describe a temporary relationship with no long-term commitment, generally with a positive or neutral connotation.
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| casual encounter |
Describes a brief, often spontaneous interaction, typically involving some sort of intimate connection. Used in more formal or clinical settings, sometimes in discussions about the dating scene or casual relationships.
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| hookup |
Refers to a brief and often spontaneous sexual encounter. It carries a more casual and sometimes slightly negative connotation, often used among younger adults.
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Examples of usage
- She's just looking for a pickup, nothing serious.
- Their relationship was just a pickup, not a long-term commitment.
in transportation
A small truck with an enclosed cab and open back used for transporting goods or materials.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pickup |
Refers to a small truck with an open rear cargo area, often used for personal transportation and light hauling. Popular in both urban and rural settings.
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| truck |
A general term primarily used in American English to describe any large motor vehicle for transporting goods. Can refer to both light and heavy-duty vehicles.
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| van |
A medium-sized vehicle, often enclosed, used for transporting goods or groups of people. Suitable for both personal and commercial use, especially for delivery services or family trips.
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| lorry |
Commonly used in British English to describe a large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods. Suitable for discussions involving logistics and commercial transport.
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Examples of usage
- The construction company used pickups to transport equipment to the site.
- He drove a pickup truck to deliver the furniture.
informal
To collect or gather something, especially a person, by stopping briefly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pickup |
This term can also refer to a type of truck, often used for tasks involving transportation and heavy lifting.
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| collect |
This implies a more deliberate and often repeated action. It is used when obtaining items or information over a period of time.
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| gather |
This is used when bringing together multiple items or people, usually in a more formal or organized manner. It can imply a collective effort.
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| fetch |
This is used to describe the action of going somewhere to get something and bringing it back. It often implies going a little out of your way and can sometimes have an old-fashioned tone.
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Examples of usage
- I'll pickup the kids from school later.
- Can you pickup some groceries on your way home?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the world of music, 'pickup' can refer to a style of playing that engages listeners, like 'pickup lines' in songs meant to charm someone.
- Popular TV shows often use 'pickup' in scenarios where characters meet or collect items, adding comedic or dramatic tension.
Science
- In physics, 'pickup' can refer to sensors that collect data from various sources, such as sound waves or vibrations.
- Pickup mechanisms, like in electric guitars, convert string vibrations into electrical signals, allowing for sound amplification.
Psychology
- In social contexts, 'pickup' is often associated with approaches made to start conversations or date someone, highlighting human interaction dynamics.
- The concept of 'pickup' can relate to situational awareness in psychology, where being attuned to othersโ cues can influence success in social or romantic settings.
Transportation
- Pickup trucks are a popular vehicle type known for their versatility, able to transport heavy loads while being suitable for everyday use.
- In logistics, a 'pickup' refers to the collection of goods from a place, crucial in supply chain management.
Origin of 'pickup'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pickup' first appeared in English in the late 19th century, originally describing a type of horse-drawn carriage designed for carrying light loads.
- It evolved through the 20th century to refer more broadly to any vehicle designed for transporting goods or people.
The word 'pickup' originated in the early 20th century in the context of transportation, referring to a vehicle used for picking up goods. Over time, it evolved to also include the informal romantic or sexual encounter meaning, popularized in modern dating culture. The verb form 'pickup' has been in use since the mid-20th century, reflecting the action of collecting or gathering something or someone. The word has become a versatile term used in various contexts, from transportation to relationships.
See also: pick, picked, picker, pickiness, picking, pickle, picky.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,052, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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