Tailgate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
tailgate
[หteษชlหษกeษชt ]
Definitions
car part
A tailgate is the hinged rear door of a vehicle, typically a truck or SUV, that provides access to the cargo area. It can be lowered to allow loading or unloading of goods.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He opened the tailgate to load the cooler.
- The tailgate of the pickup truck was damaged in the accident.
- She sat on the tailgate while watching the sunset.
social event
To tailgate means to entertain or socialize by having a barbecue or picnic in the parking lot of an event, typically before a sports game or concert. It often involves food, drinks, and games.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We plan to tailgate before the football game.
- They were tailgating with friends in the stadium parking lot.
- Tailgating is a popular tradition among college football fans.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'tailgate'
The term 'tailgate' originates from the combination of 'tail' and 'gate,' referring to the back door of a vehicle designed to open downward. The usage of tailgates in vehicles can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise of motor vehicles and trucks. Initially, tailgates were simple wooden designs, but as automobile design evolved, so did the materials and mechanisms used in tailgates. The social aspect of tailgating, specifically the practice of gathering in the parking lot of stadiums or concert venues before events, began to gain prominence in the mid-20th century. This cultural phenomenon transformed the word 'tailgate' from merely describing a car part to encapsulating a ritual of celebration and camaraderie among fans. Over the years, tailgating has become synonymous with outdoor grilling, games, and festive gatherings, contributing to its widespread acceptance in American culture.