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Piggyback: meaning, definitions and examples

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piggyback

 

[ ˈpɪɡiˌbæk ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

transportation method

To piggyback means to carry someone on one's back or shoulders. It can also refer to taking advantage of a situation or utilizing someone else's success to benefit oneself. The term is often used in various contexts, including logistics and technology, where one entity uses another's resources or system for additional benefit. The concept derives from the idea of someone physically riding on someone else's back.

Synonyms

carry on back, hitch a ride, leverage

Examples of usage

  • She asked her brother to piggyback her to the tree.
  • The startup hopes to piggyback on the larger company's platform to gain visibility.
  • He decided to piggyback off her research to make his findings more substantial.
Context #2 | Noun

carrying method

Piggyback refers to a method of carrying someone on the back or shoulders. It is often used in casual conversation to describe how a child might be carried around by an adult. This method of transportation is common in playful scenarios, where the rider enjoys the elevated view and attention while the carrier manages the weight and ensures safety.

Synonyms

back ride, lift, shoulder ride

Examples of usage

  • He gave his daughter a piggyback ride around the park.
  • The children took turns enjoying piggyback rides at the birthday party.
  • Piggyback rides are a popular game among kids.

Translations

Translations of the word "piggyback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carona

🇮🇳 पीठ पर लादना

🇩🇪 Schultern

🇮🇩 menumpang

🇺🇦 підсаджувати

🇵🇱 wsiadać na plecy

🇯🇵 おんぶする

🇫🇷 porter sur le dos

🇪🇸 montar a cuestas

🇹🇷 sırtlayarak taşımak

🇰🇷 업다

🇸🇦 حمل على الظهر

🇨🇿 nosiť na zádech

🇸🇰 nosiať na chrbte

🇨🇳 背负

🇸🇮 nositi na hrbtu

🇮🇸 bera á baki

🇰🇿 арқаға көтеру

🇬🇪 ზურგზე გადაყვანა

🇦🇿 daşımaq

🇲🇽 cargar a cuestas

Etymology

The word 'piggyback' has a rather interesting origin. It is believed to be a contraction of 'piggy back', which dates back to the late 16th century. The term originally described a type of saddle used for pigs, but over time it evolved in meaning to refer to the act of carrying someone on one’s back. The term 'back' emphasizes the weight-bearing aspect, while 'piggy' could have been used affectionately, suggesting a playful tone. As the language has evolved, 'piggyback' has found its way into various idiomatic expressions, particularly in business and technology, where it refers to partnerships and shared resources. The versatility of the term has allowed it to persist in modern usage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,261, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.