No Such Thing As A Freeway

[Quantum]

This is the entire problem that I have with the word freeway. It is actually an oxymoron. Why?

Because since our taxes go to pay for it, that means the way is not free.

 

[Marius Delphus]

When originally coined, the term had nothing to do with the cost of the thing.

Freeway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[fba827]

i always took it to mean "free (as in open and clear, no obstructions/buildings/traffic signals) way" (rather than free, as in no cost) but i don't really know the origin on the term, it's just how I always took it to mean.


edit: ninjaed by someone with a more concrete argument than mine

 

[Jdvn1]

On an unrelated note, "freeway" is not an oxymoron. An oxymoron is two words that normally don't really go together, like "living dead."

 

[Bullgrit]

An oxymoron is two words that normally don't really go together, like "living dead."

You mean it's not a dumb cattle?

Bullgrit

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

I always thought Freeway implied there were no tolls on the road.

 

[Wycen]

If you are taking suggestions on the next "way" to question, how about the grocery store chain, "Safeway".

 

[Umbran]

I'm more of the sort to wonder why I drive on a parkway and park in a driveway, myself.

 

[Merkuri]

It's free as in speech, not free as in beer.

And Umbran beat me to the "drive on parkways and park on driveways" thing.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I'm more of the sort to wonder why I drive on a parkway and park in a driveway, myself.

Dude, quit blowing my mind.