Street racer: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who races vehicles on public roads, primarily in an urban or suburban setting. Often involves customized cars and can be seen as part of a subculture.

• Jimmy was known as the best street racer in town, with his souped-up Nissan Skyline.
• Street racers often gather at night to avoid traffic and police attention.

Refers to someone who participates in drag racing, which is a type of motor racing in which vehicles compete to be the fastest over a short, straight course. It can be legally organized or held in illicit venues.

• As a professional drag racer, she spent her weekends competing at various drag strips.
• Drag racing is all about speed and acceleration over a quarter-mile stretch.

Usually depicts someone who is part of a secret or semi-private racing scene, often organized discreetly and away from public view. It shares some connotations with 'street racer' but emphasizes the hidden or exclusive nature of the events.

• As an underground racer, he had a network of contacts who alerted him to secret race events.
• Underground racers pride themselves on their exclusivity and the secrecy of their races.

Focuses on the illegal aspect of the racing, indicating that the person engages in races that break the law. These races can occur in various settings, from streets to makeshift tracks. It has a strongly negative connotation.

• The city cracked down on illegal racers by increasing police patrols and setting up checkpoints.
• Illegal racers often endanger lives, both their own and those of innocent bystanders.

Someone who participates in illegal races on public roads, often for thrill or competition.

• The police arrested the street racer for organizing an illegal race in the downtown area

Someone who drives with a blatant disregard for safety and traffic laws, usually putting others in jeopardy and facing legal consequences. This term has a negative connotation.

• The reckless driver sped through a red light, almost hitting a pedestrian

A person who drives very fast, often with a passion for speed. This term can sometimes be used jokingly or affectionately.

• He's a real speed demon on the highway, always pushing his car to its limits

A person who drives in a manner that poses a risk to themselves and others, often violating road safety rules.

• The dangerous driver swerved through traffic, nearly causing several accidents