let's get a charra

[crisgal]

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

[bravejordy]

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

[Rtaxron]

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]

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

thanks both x

[twocats]

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]

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]

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

[bravejordy]

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

[Sado]

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

Look here for old photo's.

[brian j john]

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

[crisgal]

thanks all x