What does kickshaw mean?
A kickshaw is a light, usually two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a person, a term now most often encountered in descriptions of South Asian travel. In British and Commonwealth English, however, the word has a second, informal life: it can mean a small restaurant or eating house, particularly one serving Chinese food, and occasionally the food itself. Thus, someone might say that they are going to a Chinese kickshaw for lunch, while a traveller might describe a journey by kickshaw through a busy market. The word is useful because it preserves both the older name of a familiar street vehicle and a warm, slightly nostalgic expression for inexpensive dining. Its restaurant sense is informal rather than formal, and the vehicle sense is largely historical today.
nounA light, usually two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a person. In British and other varieties of English, the word also refers informally to a small restaurant or eating house, and sometimes to the food served there.
- A light, usually two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a person.
- Informally, a small restaurant, especially a Chinese or inexpensive eating house.
- The food or meal served in such a restaurant.
"They stopped for a meal at a nearby Chinese kickshaw."
"The rickshaw puller guided the passenger through the crowded market."
"We had noodles and tea at the little kickshaw near the station."
The plural is used for multiple vehicles or restaurants, though the restaurant sense is now the more familiar one in many English varieties.
"Several old kickshaws stood outside the station."
From a humble hand-pulled vehicle to an informal name for a neighbourhood restaurant, a kickshaw has carried both passengers and hungry customers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kickshaw come from?
The word entered English in the 19th century from Hindi, where kīkāš denoted a light, pulled carriage. It was later altered in pronunciation and spelling through English usage, becoming kickshaw. The related forms rickshaw, rikisha, and jinrikisha also reflect the South Asian vehicle tradition and ultimately connect with the same broad South Asian source tradition.
How kickshaw is actually used
The vehicle sense is now relatively old-fashioned and chiefly associated with South Asia. The restaurant and food senses are informal and are especially common in British English, though they are also understood elsewhere.
Easily confused with kickshaw
A rickshaw is the vehicle itself, whereas a kickshaw can also mean a small restaurant, especially in British English.