flivver†

[origin unknown]

Slang

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a cheap light car, especially a Ford of early make.

Quotations

1910

". . . You stick to me an' you'll be travellin' 'round the country in a flivver."

1939

[We were] trundling round the country in a flivver with Mr. Fiddler at the wheel.

1958

"The term flivver, for example, used in this book to describe any ancient motor car, was never used to describe a car other than a Model T Ford."

2n. — Obs.

(attributive uses) cheaply made; small; insignificant; of little account.

1917

[He is] the greatest little flivver statesman in captivity.

1936

Numerous successful experiments are being conducted with so-called "flea" or "flivver" types [of aeroplanes].