Originally Posted by
sugarbot
Where did the word "fender" come from? I'm from the UK and we call them mudguards here, so why fender?
"fender(n)
late 13c., shortening of defender. Used of attachments to boats at first, of fireplaces since 1680s; application to automobiles is 1919."
-http://www.etymonline.com
I also call them "mudguards" since a Welsh associate explained that "mud" is a British euphemism from the days when horse drawn vehicles were common on roadways. I live in a fairly rural area with working ranches & farms & "low water crossings" to cycle though after the rains. Planet Bike Mudguards for me.
-Bandera