Phrases & Sayings

let's get a charra

why do we (us older folk) call coaches "charrabangs"?

crisgal Sun 20/04/08 00:52

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bravejordy
Sun 20/04/08
01:07

I believe it's derived from the French word, "charabanc" - chara meaning chariot and banc meaning bench.

Rtaxron
Sun 20/04/08
01:16

That was the word for them when a coach was pulled by horses years ago, but when I was a kid we used to call them charra's or Shara's which is a motor coach..

crisgal
Sun 20/04/08
09:21

Question Author

do you mean that was the word we -the english - used for a horse pulled coach?

thanks both x

twocats
Sun 20/04/08
09:27

taken from the word charabanc, it was used years ago
when groups of people got together to go sightseeing,
i assume not many people had vehicles and so they
each contributed a small amount to hire a charra for
trips out.

taichiperson
Sun 20/04/08
09:31

I'm pretty sure there was a motorised version, but can't remember where I heard of them. Possibly Cider with Rosie, one of Laurie Taylor's uncles drove one - usually under the influence! They were open topped.

taichiperson
Sun 20/04/08
09:34

Further- I seem to remember (from books, films and TV!) that they were hired for village outings and Sunday schools - anyone else?

bravejordy
Sun 20/04/08
09:40

Yes, here in Britain a char-a-banc (pronounced "chara-bang") was indeed a large bus, typically used for sightseeing.

Sado
Sun 20/04/08
11:56

http://transportpostcards.fotopic.net/c399015. html

Look here for old photo's.

brian j john
Sun 20/04/08
11:59

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charabanc

crisgal
Sun 20/04/08
17:18

Question Author

thanks all x

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