cab crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "cab crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "cab crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TAXI: The most common and direct synonym for a cab, referring to a vehicle for public hire.
HACK: An informal or historical term for a taxi, often referring to a hired carriage or vehicle.
6 Letters
HANSOM: A specific type of two-wheeled, horse-drawn carriage for hire, popular in the 19th century and a classic "cab" in some contexts.
11 Letters
COMPARTMENT: Referring to the enclosed driver's area of a truck, train, or other large machinery, which is often called a 'cab'.
More About "cab crossword clue"
The term "cab" in crosswords is a fascinating one because it can refer to several distinct things, making it a versatile clue. Most commonly, it points to a "taxi," a public vehicle for hire. This is the most straightforward and frequently encountered meaning in modern puzzles. However, "cab" also carries historical weight, deriving from "cabriolet," a type of horse-drawn carriage, which gives rise to answers like "hansom."
Beyond passenger transport, "cab" also describes the driver's or operator's enclosed area in various large vehicles and machinery. Think of the "cab" of a truck, a train, a crane, or a bulldozer. This meaning emphasizes the control center of the vehicle rather than its purpose as a hire service. Therefore, when you encounter "cab" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the context of other clues or the puzzle's theme to determine which interpretation is intended.
Understanding these multiple facets of "cab" not only helps in solving current puzzles but also enriches your general crossword-solving vocabulary, preparing you for similar clues in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: As with "cab," many short words have multiple meanings. Always think beyond the most obvious definition. Could it be a historical term, a part of something larger, or a colloquialism?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If "cab" implies a 4-letter answer, it's likely TAXI or HACK. If it's longer, you might be looking for HANSOM or even COMPARTMENT.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by intersecting words are vital. They can quickly confirm or rule out potential answers for "cab."
- Think Broadly and Narrowly: Sometimes a clue like "cab" might want a specific type (e.g., HANSOM) and sometimes a broader category (e.g., VEHICLE if allowed by other letters and the clue implies it more generally).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the primary difference between 'cab' and 'taxi'?
While often used interchangeably in modern English, 'cab' is generally a more informal or abbreviated term for 'taxi'. Historically, 'cab' derives from 'cabriolet', a type of horse-drawn carriage, whereas 'taxi' comes from 'taximeter cab', referring to the meter that calculates the fare. Today, both largely refer to a car for public hire with a driver.
Why is a taxi sometimes called a 'hack'?
The term 'hack' or 'hackney' comes from 'hackney carriage', which originally referred to a horse-drawn carriage kept for hire. The word 'hackney' itself is believed to derive from a place in London where such horses were bred or kept. Over time, 'hack' became a shorthand for any vehicle for hire, including modern taxis.
Can 'cab' refer to something other than a vehicle for hire in crosswords?
Yes, absolutely! In crosswords, 'cab' can also refer to the enclosed compartment where the driver sits in a truck, train, crane, or other large machinery. Clues for this meaning might include phrases like 'trucker's place' or 'engine driver's spot'.