BLACK MARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Black Maria is a colloquial term often used to refer to a police vehicle used for transporting prisoners or suspects. The term originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and it has since become synonymous with police vans or wagons used for transporting individuals in custody.
The term "Black Maria" typically refers to a large and enclosed vehicle, often painted black, with high walls and secure doors, designed to prevent escape and ensure the safety of officers and detainees during transportation. These vehicles are commonly utilized by law enforcement agencies to move prisoners from one location to another, such as from a crime scene to a police station or to a court.
The name "Black Maria" may have its roots in a combination of factors. The word "black" likely references the vehicle's dark color, and "Maria" is believed to be a generic feminine name commonly used by law enforcement officers in the late 19th century for anonymity and ease of pronunciation.
The use of the term "Black Maria" has gained traction in popular culture and literature, often depicted as an ominous and intimidating vehicle associated with the law enforcement process. It has become a widely recognized symbol of police transportation and evokes imagery of confinement and criminal justice.
Common Misspellings for BLACK MARIA
- vlack maria
- nlack maria
- hlack maria
- glack maria
- bkack maria
- bpack maria
- boack maria
- blzck maria
- blsck maria
- blwck maria
- blqck maria
- blaxk maria
- blavk maria
- blafk maria
- bladk maria
- blacj maria
- blacl maria
- blaco maria
- blaci maria
Etymology of BLACK MARIA
The term "Black Maria" refers to a colloquial name for a police van or paddy wagon used to transport prisoners. The origin of the term can be traced back to the mid-19th century.
The etymology of "Black Maria" is not definitive, but there are a few theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that the term comes from the name "Maria Lee", a particularly tough and ruthless Irishwoman who ran a gang of criminals in Boston during the mid-19th century. She reportedly had a black vehicle that was used to transport arrested gang members, which led to the term "Black Maria" being used to refer to police vans.
Another theory suggests that the name "Black Maria" comes from the Latin phrase "mala aria", meaning "bad air". This phrase was sometimes used to describe the foul-smelling atmosphere inside the early police vans.
Idioms with the word BLACK MARIA
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Black Maria
"Black Maria" is a slang term that refers to a police van used for transporting prisoners or suspects.
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