speed merchant
- noun
- /spiːd ˈmɜːrʧənt/
- Informal
:
aficionado a la velocidad
- The police are cracking down on speed merchants this month.
Examples
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His reputation as a speed merchant made him a natural fit for the racing team.
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Many speed merchants love to race on weekends.
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Everyone knows Tom is a real speed merchant on the highway.
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Tom is a true speed merchant!
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As a speed merchant, she is always looking for ways to drive her car faster and improve her lap times.
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The speed merchant took pride in his ability to navigate the winding roads at incredible speeds.
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Known as a speed merchant, he could often be seen racing down the highway with a big smile on his face.
Synonyms
16
4.1
A person, animal, or vehicle that moves very fast
10
3.0
A person who drives faster than the speed limit
2
6.9
A person who drives very fast, often breaking speed limits
1
2.7
A person who drives a car, especially in races at high speed
How Fast
Surface Forms
Morphology
speed + merchant
The meaning is partially derivable: 'speed' (how fast something moves) and 'merchant' (originally a seller) combine in a productive English pattern where 'merchant' can mean someone who deals in or is fond of X. However, the shift from literal seller to an enthusiast/participant (a fast driver) is metaphorical and not fully predictable to a B1 learner encountering the phrase for the first time, so some prior exposure or explanation is likely needed.
Etymology
Speed merchant may come from a playful image: a merchant sells things, so calling someone a speed merchant makes it sound as if they 'sell' or trade in speed, a picture of a driver who loves going fast. That's why it means 'a person who drives very fast' or 'is passionate about speed'.