チャリ
Japanese edit
Etymology edit
Short for チャリンコ (charinko).
Occasionally explained as a shortening of チャリオット (chariotto) from English chariot, from the sense of two-wheeled vehicle. However, this appears to be a folk etymology.
Ultimate derivation unknown. See チャリンコ for details.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
Usage notes edit
May have childish overtones. Not used in formal contexts.
Synonyms edit
Derived terms edit
Derived terms
- チャリ通 (charitsū): commuting by bicycle
- ママチャリ (mamachari): a “mama bike”, with baskets in front and back, or possibly a child seat in back
- ババチャリ (babachari): (pejorative) an “old-lady bike”, a bicycle ridden by an elderly woman
- カマチャリ (kamachari): a “praying mantis bike”, a bicycle with the handlebars turned upwards to resemble the front legs of a praying mantis
- 原チャリ (genchari): a moped, a scooter