Lizzie

/ˈlɪzi/ noun

Definition

a nickname for the name Elizabeth; also an informal term for an old or unreliable vehicle, especially a Model T Ford.

Etymology

A diminutive form of Elizabeth, which comes from Hebrew 'Elisheva.' In American slang from the early 1900s, 'tin lizzie' or 'lizzie' referred to the common Model T Ford automobile.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'tin lizzie' for a beat-up old car became so popular that it outlasted the Model T itself—people still use 'lizzie' to describe any clunky vehicle even though few remember why.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.