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!

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.

Re: What Is The Origin Of...
 

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

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.

Re: What Is The Origin Of...
 

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...

Re: What Is The Origin Of...
 

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