puddle-jumper

or pud·dle·jump·er

[ puhd-l-juhm-per ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a light plane, especially one traveling only short distances or making many stops.
2. an old, rickety automobile; flivver.

Word History and Origins

Origin of puddle-jumper¹

First recorded in 1930–35; humorously so called because it is used on routes that include stopovers in small, insignificant places

Example Sentences

Those who want to keep the rules are mainly in-perimeter members—whom United is surely warning that they’ll lose their puddle-jumper DCA flights to Podunksville if carriers can offer all of these fancy new flights to Los Angeles instead—and those from the Chicago area, where United is headquartered.

From Slate

Theirs is a level of puddle-jumper flights to far-flung outposts, cheap rent-a-cars, fast-food drive-throughs and bunking with roommates.

From Seattle Times

So when he does come, as he did for three weeks in March, he hopscotches the country via puddle-jumper plane; travel by road is too perilous, with major thoroughfares blocked by gangs fond of extortion.

From Washington Times

So when he does come, as he did for three weeks in March, he hopscotches the country via puddle-jumper plane; travel by road is too perilous, with major thoroughfares blocked by gangs fond of extortion.

From Seattle Times

The latter might save you money, but cost you in comfort and convenience as you squeeze into a puddle-jumper and have to gate-check your carry-on.

From Washington Times