7 history-rich insights into train terminology

Why is it called a "caboose," anyway?

A look into the roots of words relating to trains.
(Image credit: Arthur W.V. Mace/Milepost 92 1/2/Corbis)

For more than 200 years, trains have played an important role in the world's economy, transporting both goods and people from one city to the next. The words we use when talking about train travel are steeped in the long and colorful history of this transportation mode, and harbor some interesting historical references. Here, a few every railway buff should know.

1. The term 'railroad' came before there were even trains

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Angela Tung's essays on language and culture have appeared at Mental Floss, Quartz, Salon, The Week, The Weeklings, and Wordnik. Her personal essays have appeared at The Frisky, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere.