What Is A Boot Space In A Car?

A boot space or rather a car boot is the UK English equivalent to what is known as the trunk of a car in American English. It is most commonly situated at the rear of a vehicle and is used to hold various cargo. Although the modern meanings are entirely different to each other, the origin of the car boot is the same as the origin of the boots that you wear on your feet; although the more modern meaning, referring to a luggage storage compartment came into use roughly three centuries later.

• Three centuries later than what?

It was used from the 14th century onwards in reference to footwear, believed to be of Old Norse or Old French origins coming from either Boti or Botte, although it is unclear as to what the original meaning of these words were. The Spanish 'bote' meaning a vessel or container may shed some light on this as it seems to ring true to both modern day meanings of the word boot but it was not until around 300 years later that it started being used in regards to a luggage compartment.

• That seems like the 17th Century, cars weren't invented until the 19th century?

Yes indeed, modern motor vehicles didn't become common use until the tail end of the 1800s, however during the 1600s it was the name given to the attendant's compartment on the outside of a coach. It was later adopted by the modern automobile as a name for the luggage compartment of a car.

UK English for the US English equivalent of "trunk space" or "cargo space" in a car.

As per BBC English, boot is a compartment space. Therefore it is called Boot Space.

Abhinav Saxena

Boot/Trunk meant for suitcases when travelling apart from keeping spare tyre (tire) which used to be called stepney.