Pronunciation: [wˈʊdi] (IPA) 
The spelling of "woodie" can be a bit confusing for non-native speakers. The word refers to a type of station wagon that has wood paneling on the sides. The correct spelling is "woodie," with a "w" and "ie" at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be written as /ˈwʊdi/. The "w" in the beginning produces a sound similar to the "u" in "put." The "ie" at the end produces a long "e" sound.
Woodie is a term that has multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to a type of car, a style of surfboard, or a genre of music.
In the automobile industry, a woodie refers to a car that features wooden panels on the exterior. These panels were typically made of real wood, such as mahogany or oak, and were used in the construction of station wagons and other similar vehicles in the early to mid-20th century. Woodies were popular during the 1930s to the 1950s, particularly in the United States, and are now considered iconic and highly sought after by collectors.
In the world of surfing, a woodie is a specific type of surfboard. It is characterized by having a wooden construction, usually with a solid wooden core and an exterior made of plywood or veneer. Woodies are known for their durability, stability, and classic aesthetic. Although they were widely used in the early days of surfing, they have now become less common due to the availability of lighter and more versatile materials such as foam and fiberglass.
Woodie is also associated with a genre of music known as woodie music or woodie rap. Originating from the West Coast hip-hop scene, this style of music often incorporates elements of funk, reggae, and Latin American influences. The lyrics often revolve around themes of street life, urban culture, and California lifestyle. Woodie music gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly among communities in Northern California.
Overall, woodie is a term that encompasses multiple meanings, resonating with the nostalgic charm of classic cars, the timeless appeal of wooden surfboards, and the distinct sounds of West Coast rap music.
The word "woodie" is derived from the term "wood station wagon", which refers to a type of car popular in the mid-20th century. These vehicles featured wooden exterior panels, typically made of a hardwood like ash or mahogany, which gave them a distinctive and nostalgic appearance. Over time, the term "woodie" became a colloquialism used to refer to any car, regardless of its make or model, that had wooden exterior panels. The term has since become synonymous with vintage station wagons and is often used to describe these vehicles in car enthusiast circles.
