tijuana taxi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowColloquial, Humorous, Informal
Quick answer
What does “tijuana taxi” mean?
A colloquial American English term for a dilapidated or old automobile, often used humorously or pejoratively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial American English term for a dilapidated or old automobile, often used humorously or pejoratively.
Can refer humorously to any vehicle in poor condition, or metaphorically to describe something shabby, unreliable, or makeshift. The term draws on stereotypes about the Mexican border city of Tijuana, implying such vehicles are common there.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually exclusive to American English due to its specific geographic reference. A British speaker is highly unlikely to use or understand it without context.
Connotations
In American usage: humorous, derogatory, informal, potentially insensitive. In British usage: unknown or seen as an obscure Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English; occasional in specific regional/cultural contexts in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “tijuana taxi” in a Sentence
[Subject] drives a Tijuana taxi.[Determiner] Tijuana taxi [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tijuana taxi” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- He's got that Tijuana taxi look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal, humorous description among friends.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tijuana taxi”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tijuana taxi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tijuana taxi”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it refers to an actual taxi service.
- Using it with no cultural context, causing confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a colloquial, culturally-specific American idiom.
It is not recommended, as the reference will likely be misunderstood and it may be perceived as culturally insensitive.
No, it refers to the condition of a vehicle (usually a car), not its function as a taxi.
It can be, as it relies on a stereotype about vehicles in a Mexican border city. It's best avoided in polite or formal conversation.
A colloquial American English term for a dilapidated or old automobile, often used humorously or pejoratively.
Tijuana taxi is usually colloquial, humorous, informal in register.
Tijuana taxi: in British English it is pronounced /tiːəˈwɑːnə ˈtæksi/, and in American English it is pronounced /tiːəˈwɑːnə ˈtæksi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built like a Tijuana taxi.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a taxi in Tijuana (stereotype: old, colorful, noisy) to remember it means a beat-up car.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOCATION (Tijuana) FOR A QUALITY (shabbiness/dilapidation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'Tijuana taxi'?