What Is The Origin Of...

CigarNut · 12-19-2012, 07:56 PM

...the word "semi" when referring to the tractor-trailer trucks you see driving on the highway.

"Semi" means "half" or "partial". So, what is the name of a "full" or "complete" rig?

Thanks!

markem · 12-19-2012, 08:08 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer_truck

A semi-trailer does not trail completely behind the towing vehicle, but is attached at a point that is just forward of the rear-most axle of the towing unit, so that some fraction of the weight of the trailer is carried by the prime mover, with most of that at the rear axle(s) and a small amount at the front axle(s) of the prime mover.

A semi is sometimes the name of a rig designed to haul semi-trailers.

T.G · 12-19-2012, 08:25 PM

You know that some semi's have two horns, right?

Rhino · 12-19-2012, 10:11 PM

All I can say is Wow. never knew what I didn't know and now that I know I don't know if I knew.

bobarian · 12-19-2012, 11:31 PM

CigarNut · 12-20-2012, 06:17 AM

I guess I was figuring that "Semi" was a reference to a larger right -- maybe a railroad car kind of thing...

dave · 12-20-2012, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.G

You know that some semi's have two horns, right?

I wasn't aware.

I only know of three uses for semi horns, so I assume that one is for one specific purpose:

-One is used to scare the crap out of drivers
-The other is used either in response to kids pulling an invisible lanyard in the backseat of a car.....or, alternatively used as a request for women to flash them

12-19-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	What Is The Origin Of... ...the word "semi" when referring to the tractor-trailer trucks you see driving on the highway. "Semi" means "half" or "partial". So, what is the name of a "full" or "complete" rig? Thanks! __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

12-19-2012, 08:08 PM	#2
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,530 Trading: (47)	Re: What Is The Origin Of... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer_truck A semi-trailer does not trail completely behind the towing vehicle, but is attached at a point that is just forward of the rear-most axle of the towing unit, so that some fraction of the weight of the trailer is carried by the prime mover, with most of that at the rear axle(s) and a small amount at the front axle(s) of the prime mover. A semi is sometimes the name of a rig designed to haul semi-trailers. __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

12-19-2012, 08:25 PM	#3
T.G Grrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: The Other Adam Posts: 15,543 Trading: (37)	Re: What Is The Origin Of... You know that some semi's have two horns, right?

12-19-2012, 10:11 PM	#4
Rhino Just in from the Storm Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 20 Trading: (0)	Re: What Is The Origin Of... All I can say is Wow. never knew what I didn't know and now that I know I don't know if I knew.

12-19-2012, 11:31 PM	#5
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: What Is The Origin Of...

12-20-2012, 06:17 AM	#6
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	Re: What Is The Origin Of... I guess I was figuring that "Semi" was a reference to a larger right -- maybe a railroad car kind of thing... __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.