black cab

English

Etymology

From the usual black colour of officially licensed hackney carriages and motorized taxis in London, particularly after World War II.

Noun

black cab (plural black cabs)

  1. (informal) An officially licensed taxi in London, now particularly those made by LTI or the London EV Company.
    Black cabs may be more expensive than ubers, but their drivers are required to pass the Knowledge.
    • 2023 February 8, Greg Morse, “Crossing the border... by Sleeper”, in RAIL, number 976, page 45:
      Sitting in a black cab as it speeds away into the traffic, I check my bag. There, hiding in the bottom corner, I find a hand and body wash with the Caledonian Sleeper logo on it. I hadn't used it.
  2. (informal) Similarly styled taxis elsewhere, especially officially licensed taxis elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Synonyms

References

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