warchalking

/ ˈwɔːtʃɔːkɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of marking chalk symbols on walls and pavements at places where local wireless internet connections may be obtained for free via a computer, usually without permission

Derived Forms

• ˈwarchalker, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of warchalking¹

C21: from w(ireless) a(cess) r(evolution) + gerund of chalk

Example Sentences

Warchalking began a couple of years ago in London, and has since spread to the sidewalks of Seattle, New York City and San Francisco.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nobody knows who invented warchalking, but it seems the practice was inspired by stories of Great Depression--era hoboes who left chalk markings outside the most charitable houses.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then came the habit of warchalking--which began in London and spread around the globe--in which wardrivers would mark the presence of free networks with a strange hieroglyph--parentheses in reverse order--in chalk on the sidewalk for all to see.

From Time Magazine Archive