Kick starter is a compound noun consisting of two familiar words – "kick" and "starter" – with a single meaning. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /kɪk ˈstɑːtə/. The first syllable, "kick," is a short "i" sound followed by a hard "k" sound. The second syllable, "starter," has a long "a" sound followed by a soft "t" sound and an "er" sound similar to the word "teacher." Together, they form a word commonly used in the context of motorcycle engines and crowdfunding campaigns.
Kickstarter is a word that primarily refers to a company or platform that facilitates the funding of creative projects through crowdfunding. As a noun, it can also be used to describe the individual or entity who initiates or launches such a campaign on the Kickstarter platform. The term "kickstarter" has gained popularity in recent years due to the widespread use and success of crowdfunding as a means of financing various creative and innovative endeavors.
In the context of crowdfunding, Kickstarter serves as an online platform where individuals or groups can create a project proposal, set a funding goal, and seek financial support from a large number of people, often referred to as backers or supporters. These backers can pledge a specific amount of money towards the target goal, and in return, they might receive rewards or products related to the project.
The term "kickstarter" can also be used more generally to describe any initiative or action that serves as a catalyst or starting point for a particular project or endeavor. In this sense, a kickstarter can be an individual, resource, or event that helps to generate momentum, interest, or funding for a project, campaign, or idea.
Overall, "kickstarter" is a versatile term that encompasses both the crowdfunding platform and the person who launches a project on that platform. It signifies the act of starting and propelling a creative venture through the support of a community.
The word "kickstarter" originated from the combination of two separate words: "kick" and "starter".
The term "kick" in this context refers to a forceful action using the foot, often associated with a striking or propelling motion. It typically describes the act of starting an engine or a machine by physically kicking or pushing a lever or pedal.
"Starter" is derived from the word "start", which means the beginning or initiation of an action or process. It is commonly used to describe a mechanism or device that initiates the operation of a machine.
Therefore, the etymology of "kickstarter" can be understood as a compound word reflecting the action of physically kicking or propelling a device to initiate its operation or start a process. This term is widely used to refer to a type of crowdfunding platform that helps launch projects or ideas by obtaining financial support from a large number of people.