"Kept truckin'" is a phrase often used to describe perseverance or resilience in the face of hardship or adversity. Phonetically, the word "kept" is pronounced /kɛpt/ with a short "e" sound and the letter "p" being clearly articulated, while "truckin'" is pronounced /ˈtrʌkɪn/, with the stress on the first syllable and a short "u" sound. The unusual spelling of "truckin'" could be attributed to a lack of standardization in the English language or an attempt to represent the rhythms of speech.
"Kept truckin" is an idiomatic expression derived from the noun "truck" and the verb "keep," used to convey the idea of persistence, determination, or resilience in the face of difficulties or challenges. It is often used in informal speech and popular culture to describe a person's ability to consistently continue their efforts or journey, despite setbacks or obstacles encountered along the way.
The phrase "kept truckin" implies a sense of perseverance and a refusal to give up or be deterred by problems or adversity. It evokes a mental image of a truck driver who continues to drive and progress towards their destination, regardless of the road conditions or other obstacles they may encounter.
The expression's roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century, originating from the trucking industry where drivers would be encouraged to persistently move forward in their deliveries. Over time, "kept truckin" has transcended its original context to become a metaphorical expression applicable to various situations in life.
In a broader sense, "kept truckin" suggests a willingness to maintain one's drive, motivation, and dedication towards a goal or objective, even when faced with challenges, setbacks, or fatigue. It embodies the idea of perseverance as a valuable trait for overcoming difficulties and achieving success, not allowing temporary setbacks to hinder long-term progress.
The phrase "kept truckin'" originates from the United States in the early 20th century. Its etymology stems from the word "truck", which was initially used in the 1860s to refer to the act of bartering or exchanging goods, specifically in the context of the wagon or cart trade. In the 1920s, "truck" began to take on the slang meaning of "to move along steadily" or "to continue persistently".
The phrase "keep truckin'" gained popularity in the 1960s during the counterculture movement, particularly through the influence of the psychedelic rock band called the Grateful Dead. They released the song "Truckin'" in 1970, which featured the line "What a long, strange trip it's been, and it keeps truckin' on".