Scooters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A compact, two-wheeled transport device that allows riders to propel themselves manually or via a motor while standing on a flat surface
2. A lightweight vehicle designed for short travel that can be operated by foot power or an engine, featuring handlebars for steering
3. Small two-wheeled vehicles that can be powered by pushing with a foot or by an engine and are ridden while standing

Etymology: The plural "scooters" is simply the regular plural of "scooter," so the story is really the story of the base word. "Scooter" is formed from "scoot" plus the agent suffix "-er," meaning something that scoots. The "-er" ending itself has a long pedigree, tracing back through Old English "-ere" and Latin "-arius," which was used to build words for people or things connected with a task or occupation. The verb "scoot" is the more interesting part of the chain, though its exact earlier origin is less certain than the suffix. It describes a quick, darting movement, and the "-er" was attached to it to name the thing that does the darting. The modern scooter, with its standing platform and handlebars, took the name from that sense of quick, light movement rather than from any older vehicle.

Synonyms: mopeds, bikes