soda

I have a couple of thoughts regarding the word "cager". First, I see it used quite often on this board and while I know it's meaning I'm curious as to its origin. My thought is that it originated from the hardcore motorcycle crowd and it's now been adopted by the recreational/sport cycling crowd. If true, do you think the motorcycle crowd gets upset when we use the word and perhaps maybe look down on us for trying to be like them or do they just laugh at us?

My second thought is that I perceive this word to be derogatory instead of descriptive. If so, aren't most of us also "cagers" and thus are being hypocritical when we use the word? Do we have any right to use the word since the car is most likely most of our main mode of transportation*?

Just a few thoughts... I'm just genuinely curious and not trying to start a heated debate.

Any input?

*commuters excluded

CommuterRun

I think the term originated in certain motorcycle circles, like you said. I don't really know that. My reasoning is that the first time I saw it used was in "Iron Horse" or "Easy Rider" or a magazine like that about 30 years ago.

As for using it. I do and I drive when I want or need to. I also have been known to use the term "Cracker", as in "Florida Cracker", and don't see a problem. That kind of fits me too, even though all the real Crackers have been gone for quite some time.

I got called Nimrod once, that I can recall. Check your Bible and see who Nimrod was. I considered that something of an honor even though I'm not Jewish.

Like the term "Gai-jin". In Japan it can be considered a very derogatory word, although it does not bother me to be referred to as "Gai-jin" because I am simply not Japanese at all, so it fits. Although, there was the time, in Okinawa, an Okinawan referred to me as Gai-jin. In the presence of my wife, who really is 100% Japanese, from Japan. WHOOOO-WEEEeeee, I bet he never ever makes that mistake again.

gcasillo

I always thought basketball had dibs on the term.