In order not to create their own definitions each time and not to overload the old words with new meanings, the Russian language often borrows concepts for phenomena and objects. Over time, the frequency of mentioning the terms decreases, and they are forgotten. So, many contemporaries at the sight of a covered cart will not even remember that this is a "wagon." And what other values does the capacious name have? When and how did it appear? For what purposes was it used?
Arab origins
There are two main etymological milestones. The first of them was the Tatar kibet, which splits into values:
The second is the Arabic kubbat, which is also interpreted in several ways:
“Kibitka” is a wagon closed from external influences, which traders use to deliver goods over long distances or as a mobile outlet, combined with housing.
Territory of Meanings
Linguists point to many related definitions, each of which is based on the Arabic "dome". The classical gypsy carriage is suitable for three of them at once, although there is an additional interpretation. The total number of deciphers for the word under investigation is four:
- covered wagon;
- an awning stretched on arches of such a cart or sleigh;
- yurt, other portable housing;
- small traditional house in Central Asia.
Most people know the term precisely by its basic meaning. But as a characteristic for an awning it has not been used for a long time, which made the meaning obsolete, preserved only on the pages of dictionaries.
As a name for housing, the concept is based on geometric similarities. Buildings on a light frame with fabric or leather walls are tents that almost always take the shape of a dome. And if they try to make the house solid, but using old technologies, this is a wagon in any case: mud or brick buildings were also often built with a base from a circle. In fact, they copied the mobile version using more durable material.
Everyday use
Is it possible to use the word, it will not offend anyone? Do not be afraid to hurt anyone’s feelings: “wagon” is a term. The absence of a negative context and negative connotation makes the concept as safe as possible, appropriate in any situation. In official documents it is difficult to meet him because of a vague definition, but in fiction the image is covered in the romance of travel. Allegorically, you can call your own car or van, even an ordinary tourist tent.