The word "jarvie" is spelled with the letters J-A-R-V-I-E, and is pronounced /ˈdʒɑːvi/. This word refers to a Scottish cab driver who drives a horse-drawn carriage or a traditional black taxi. Historically, jarvies were an important mode of transportation in Scotland, especially in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. The word "jarvie" is derived from the old Scottish word "jarvy" which means "driver". Today, the use of jarvies is rare but they still have a presence in traditional Scottish culture.
A "jarvie" refers to an individual who operates or drives a horse-drawn carriage or cab, especially in Scotland. This term is derived from the Scottish word "jarvey" or "journeyman," meaning a worker who performs journeys or travels for a living. A jarvie can typically be seen in rural or tourist areas, providing transportation services to visitors or locals.
Typically, a jarvie is highly skilled in handling horses and maintaining their carriages. This includes knowledge of navigating through busy streets, adhering to traffic rules, and providing excellent customer service. They might be responsible for conveying passengers to their desired destinations, providing information about the area, or offering historical anecdotes about the surroundings.
Historically, jarvies were an integral part of the transportation system, particularly before the rise of motorized vehicles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were known for their distinctive attire, often wearing a traditional hat and coat, representing their profession. Nowadays, while their prevalence has significantly decreased due to the dominance of automobiles, jarvies can still be found in certain regions where horse-drawn carriages continue to be a popular mode of transportation, often embraced for their aesthetic and nostalgic appeal.
In summary, a jarvie is a skilled individual typically found in Scotland, responsible for driving and maintaining a horse-drawn carriage or cab. They provide transportation services to passengers, often in tourist or rural areas, employing their knowledge of handling horses and offering insightful information about the surroundings.
The word "jarvie" is derived from the Scots language. It comes from the combination of two Gaelic words: "gearran", meaning "a gelded horse" or "a gelding", and "bhuidseach", meaning "a servant" or "a groom". It originally referred to a groom or coachman who drove a horse-drawn vehicle, particularly a public carriage or hackney coach. The term "jarvie" is primarily associated with Scotland, especially Glasgow, where it remains in use to refer to a cab driver or a driver of a horse-drawn vehicle.