gypsy cab

noun

1. a taxicab that is licensed only to pick up passengers on call by telephone, but that often illegally seeks passengers on the street.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gypsy cab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

By the late ’80s, Mr. McGurr was working a string of jobs: bike messenger, gas station attendant, moonlighting for a gypsy cab service.

From New York Times

“I only pick passengers with masks. I cannot put my health at risk,” said Ali Qomi, who uses his personal car as a gypsy cab, like many other unemployed Iranians.

From Washington Times

“Jitney,” which opened Sunday at the Taper, is set at a gypsy cab station in Pittsburgh’s largely black Hill District, the site of most of Wilson’s plays.

From Los Angeles Times

Five gypsy cab drivers in a ramshackle office in Pittsburgh, 1977.

From Washington Post

Set in a gypsy cab depot, this early work was the last of Wilson’s 10 plays to reach Broadway, but from all reports the wait was worth it.

From Los Angeles Times