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Tailgater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tailgater

[หˆteษชlหŒษกeษชtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

driving behavior

A tailgater is a driver who follows another vehicle closely, often with little space between them. This behavior is considered aggressive and can lead to accidents.

Synonyms

aggressive driver, closely following vehicle, follower.

Examples of usage

  • The car behind me was a tailgater, causing me to feel anxious.
  • Tailgaters often don't leave enough braking distance.
  • It's illegal to be a tailgater in many jurisdictions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Traffic Safety

  • Tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions, which can cause serious injuries.
  • Most drivers need about a three-second gap between vehicles to avoid collisions when driving at normal speeds.

Etiquette

  • Tailgating is considered rude behavior on the road and can cause road rage among drivers.
  • In some regions, aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, can result in hefty fines.

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest that tailgaters may have aggressive personalities or feel a need to demonstrate dominance.
  • People often tailgate during peak traffic times, as impatience can make them feel urgency to get ahead.

Legal Repercussions

  • In many states, tailgating can lead to traffic tickets or points on a driver's license.
  • If tailgating results in an accident, the driver who was too close may be held liable for damages.

Culture

  • In sports, the term 'tailgating' also refers to pre-game parties in stadium parking lots where fans gather to barbecue and socialize.
  • The concept of tailgating as a social event has evolved into a significant part of many sporting cultures, especially in American football.

Origin of 'tailgater'

The term 'tailgater' originates from the practice of tailgating at events, particularly in the United States. This practice involves parking vehicles close to one another in a social manner, often with food and drinks set up in the open truck beds or rear areas. Over time, the term evolved to describe the act of closely following another vehicle on the road, emphasizing unsafe driving practices. The use of 'tail' comes from the rear of a vehicle, while 'gater' is derived from the informal term 'gate' which was used to describe the act of being at the rear of something. This shift in meaning highlights the negative implications of closely following another car, which can lead to increased risks of collisions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,137, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.