chug-wagon

English

Alternative forms

• chug-chug wagon, chug wagon, chugwagon

Etymology

chug +‎ wagon, from the sound of the motor.

Noun

chug-wagon (plural chug-wagons)

1. (archaic, slang) An early motorized vehicle for driving on land (such as an automobile, truck, or tractor), especially a car; horseless carriage.
   • 1913, The Spokesman and Harness World - Volume 29, page 275:

     While the “chug-wagon” business is good, it is not probable that farm wagons, trucks, etc., will assume a very heavy demand until harvest time.

   • 1915, Farm Engineering - Volume 3, page 91:

     As they become more familiar with mechanical power thro the automobile and the small tractor, the chances are that farmers will utilize also the many advantages of the motor truck as fast as they can raise the price and see their way to keep the chug-wagons busy.

   • 1922, Point of View, page 25:

     Maybe it was just the spectre of a romance that doesn't exist in this age of chug-wagons, that have no whip to wrap the lines around, no bosky dells untainted by gasoline where the old mare would stop of her own accord and two hearts could lay their secrets bare and learn the meanings of life without saying a word.

Usage notes

This term was used in the early days of automobiles. It was already dated by the late 1920s.