hitch-hiker

A hitch-hiker stands by the roadside with an outstretched thumb.

Definition

Noun:
- A traveler who solicits free rides: "hitch-hiker" refers to a person who stands by the roadside and asks drivers for a free ride to a destination, typically by signaling with a thumb or a sign.
- A person who travels by hitch-hiking: This individual relies on the goodwill of strangers for transportation, often as a cheap or adventurous mode of travel.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

"to pick up a hitch-hiker": to stop and offer a free ride to a person asking for one.
- The driver was cautious about picking up a hitch-hiker late at night. (To give a ride to a stranger requesting one.)
"hitch-hiker's thumb": a colloquial term for a thumb that is hyperextended or unusually flexible, often associated with the gesture used to signal for rides.
- His hitch-hiker's thumb made the gesture more noticeable. (A thumb that bends backward easily.)

Variants and Related Words

Hitch-hiking (n): the act or practice of traveling by soliciting free rides.
- Hitch-hiking was popular among backpackers in the 1970s. (The activity of traveling by asking for lifts.)
Hitch-hiker's guide (n): a book or resource offering advice for those who travel by hitch-hiking, notably The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
- He consulted a hitch-hiker's guide for tips on safe travel. (A manual for hitch-hiking.)

Synonyms

Thumber: a colloquial term for a person who hitch-hikes, emphasizing the thumb gesture.
Rider: a less specific term for someone who gets a ride, though not exclusively for free rides.
Freeloader: a derogatory term implying someone who takes advantage of others' generosity, sometimes used for hitch-hikers.

Related Idioms

Hitch a ride: to obtain a free ride by asking or signaling.
- He hitched a ride to the coast with a truck driver. (He got a free lift by hitch-hiking.)
Thumb a ride: to signal for a free ride by raising the thumb.
- They tried to thumb a ride but no one stopped. (They attempted to hitch-hike.)