General
tin lizzie
What does tin lizzie mean?
Used fondly or mockingly for a reliable but unglamorous machine.
"She's no roadster, just a faithful old Tin Lizzie."
Origin
American slang from the 1910s-1920s for the Ford Model T. 'Lizzie' was a common name for a hardworking servant, and 'tin' nodded to the car's light, plain construction; the nickname is widely attested in period writing.
Frequently asked questions
What was a Tin Lizzie?
It was the popular nickname for the Ford Model T, the affordable car that motorized America.
Why was it called a Tin Lizzie?
'Lizzie' was slang for a dependable servant girl, and 'tin' referred to the car's plain, lightweight build. The combination stuck as an affectionate name.
Is a flivver the same as a Tin Lizzie?
Close. 'Flivver' was 1920s slang for any cheap car and was often applied to the Model T specifically.
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