shunpike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very Low FrequencyInformal, somewhat old-fashioned, dialectal
Quick answer
What does “shunpike” mean?
To travel by small, secondary roads to avoid tolls or traffic on main highways.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To travel by small, secondary roads to avoid tolls or traffic on main highways.
To deliberately avoid the main roads, often in pursuit of a more scenic, leisurely, or economical journey; the act or practice of taking back roads.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American term, rooted in the era of turnpikes (toll roads). While understood in the UK, it is not commonly used; British speakers might say 'take the back roads' or 'avoid the main road'.
Connotations
US: Nostalgic, quaint, implying a slower-paced, intentional journey. UK: If used, perceived as an Americanism with the same core meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary British English. Low and declining in American English, mostly found in regional or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shunpike” in a Sentence
Subject + shunpike + (object: road/route/area)Go + shunpikingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shunpike” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to shunpike our way through the Cotswolds to enjoy the villages.
- He always shunpikes the M25 if he has the time.
American English
- Let's shunpike I-95 and take the old coastal route instead.
- They shunpiked all the way from Ohio to Florida to save on tolls.
adverb
British English
- (Virtually never used) They travelled shunpike.
American English
- (Virtually never used) We drove shunpike across the state.
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used) It was a pleasant, shunpike journey.
- He favoured a shunpike approach to motoring.
American English
- We discovered a wonderful shunpike diner off Route 66.
- He has a shunpike mentality, always avoiding interstates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or cultural studies about transport.
Everyday
Very rare; used by older generations or in specific rural US regions.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shunpike”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'detour'. A detour can be forced; shunpiking is a choice.
- Using it in formal contexts where it would sound odd.
- Spelling as 'shunpike' (verb) vs. 'shunpiker' (noun for a person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and considered old-fashioned or regional. Most speakers would use phrases like 'take the back roads' instead.
Yes, though less common. A 'shunpike' can refer to a secondary road used to avoid a toll road or main highway.
A detour is often a forced reroute due to an obstruction. Shunpiking is a voluntary, premeditated choice to avoid main roads for personal reasons like cost, scenery, or pleasure.
It originated in the United States in the 19th century from 'shun' (to avoid) + 'pike' (short for 'turnpike', a toll road). It described the act of avoiding toll roads by using free public roads.
To travel by small, secondary roads to avoid tolls or traffic on main highways.
Shunpike is usually informal, somewhat old-fashioned, dialectal in register.
Shunpike: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌn.paɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌn.paɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go shunpiking”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHUN (avoid) + PIKE (short for 'turnpike', a toll road). You SHUN the PIKE to save money.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MAIN ROAD IS A RIVER (fast, direct,付费); TO SHUNPIKE IS TO EXPLORE THE TRIBUTARIES (slower, free, scenic).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary motivation for someone who chooses to 'shunpike'?