ProbableNamed from the place
Georgia overdrive
noun · first attested 20th century
An imaginary extra gear, named the way American slang usually names bad ideas.
Coasting downhill with the transmission in neutral.
33.0000°N -83.5000°W · Q1428
Record
- Relationship
- Named from the place
- Confidence
- ProbableThe conventional story is likely, with caveats.
- Attested
- 20th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
Georgia
- In English
Georgia overdrive
Truckers use it to save fuel on a long descent; it is also called angel gear and Mexican overdrive. The state name invokes rural improvisation, in either a mocking or an admiring spirit depending on who is speaking. It is illegal for commercial vehicles in many states, because a coasting truck loses engine braking and can run away on a grade.
Also pinned to Georgia
1 more from the same place
United States
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