what does slang word motorboat mean

What does Motorboat mean?

Other definitions of Motorboat:

• To motorboat someone, place your face between their breasts, squishing them together, rock your head side to side (or have them jiggle back and forth), and making an audible "brrrr" noise, which sounds like a motorboat.

All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. If you know of another definition of Motorboat that should be included here, please let us know .

How to use the term Motorboat :

It's doubtful she derives much pleasure other than seeing your amusement when you're motorboating.

Oh, motorboat me harder, baby! Yes, just like that!

References:

There are no references for Motorboat at this time. We would greatly appreciate your contribution if you would like to submit your own !

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Motorboatable

The motorboat, motorboatable.

Definition of motorboat

Verb - transitive.

• See more words with the same meaning: sex activities, practices, moves .

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What is the meaning of the term 'motorboating' and what is its origin?

The term "motorboating" has two distinct meanings.

The first meaning refers to the activity of traveling in a motorboat [2] . This is the literal definition of the term and is commonly used in the context of recreational boating or water sports.

The second meaning, which is more commonly known as slang, refers to a sexual act. It involves placing one's face between a woman's breasts and making a noise like a motorboat by rapidly moving one's head from side to side [1] [2] . This slang term is often used humorously or in a playful manner.

Origin: The origin of the term "motorboating" in the context of the sexual act is not well-documented. However, it is believed to have emerged as a slang term in popular culture, possibly in the late 20th century or early 21st century. The act itself is a playful and humorous gesture, and the term likely originated as a way to describe the sound and motion made during the act, which resembles the noise and movement of a motorboat.

Learn more:

• What does motorboating mean? How did the term originate?
• motorboating - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
• Where did the term motorboat come from? | AnandTech Forums: Technology, Hardware, Software, and Deals

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• Post author By Rap Dictionary
• Post date April 13, 2022

Motorboat (slang)

Type: verb , slang

Pronunciation: /mow-ter- boat /

Also spelled or known as: Motor boat , Motor- boat

Related: Motorboated

What does Motorboat mean?

To put your face between two breasts and shake your head acting like a motorboat.

Example sentence: “She let me motorboat her at the party.”

Motorboat in songs :

“If life is a woman, she’s got some epic titties and I wanna get up in it and live it and motorboat ’ em ” – Watsky, IDGAF.

“See them titties , wanna motorboat it” – Childish Gambino, Dream / Southern Hospitality / Partna Dem .

“In a six, told her suck a dick , motorboat her tits ” – A$AP Rocky, Goldie.

“Wish I was big pimpin ’ on a yacht wit Hova But I’m happy that my girl lemme motorboat her” – Lil Dicky, Jewish Flow .

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Definition of motorboat

• stinkpot [ slang ]

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motorboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near motorboat

Cite this entry.

“Motorboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorboat. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of motorboat, more from merriam-webster on motorboat.

Nglish: Translation of motorboat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of motorboat for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motorboat

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• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Etymology
• 1.3 Pronunciation
• 1.4.1 Translations
• 1.4.2 See also

Alternative forms

From motor +‎ boat .

Pronunciation

• ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈməʊtəˌbəʊt/
• ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈmoʊtəˌboʊt/

motorboat ( plural motorboats )

• ( nautical ) Any vessel driven by an engine (either inboard or outboard ), but especially a small one.

Translations

motorboat ( third-person singular simple present motorboats , present participle motorboating , simple past and past participle motorboated )

• To ride in a motorboat.
• 2011 October 10, Molly McCarthy, Stella Blake-Kelly, Peter McCaffrey, “Year In News”, in Salient , Victoria University of Wellington, page 9 : ACT on Campus President Peter McCaffrey allegedly motorboated Heather Roy at the ACT Party offices over the newly-passed piece of legislation.
• 2012 June 8, “ Underwood takes her 3rd video of year win at CMTs ”, in Bali Post , page 12 : Kellie Pickler pretended to motorboat an imaginary pair of breasts to introduce Little Big Town's performance of “Pontoon,” [ … ]
• 2013 October 25, “Breast cancer awareness gone too far”, in The Daily Athenaeum , West Virginia University, page 4 : Other promotional events, such as “No Bra” day or the “ motorboating girls for breast cancer awareness” campaign, also take things a little too far.
• 2013 , "19 Most Lustable Celebs", VIBE , April/May 2013, page 84 : You're blind to the blue Pacific water and glaring sun as your entire face is buried in Sofia's bosom—you're motorboating on a motorboat!
• 2014 , Madison Holmes, "Big boobs: The bane of my existence", The Orion (Chico State University), 15 October 2014, page A6 : While talking to some dude at a party, he bent over and motorboated me.
• 2015 , Jill Sorenson, Shooting Dirty , unnumbered page : Tiffany put her hands on Janelle's hips and motorboated her breasts.
• 2016 July 19, Shane Allison, You're the One I Want: A Novel , Simon and Schuster, →ISBN : Tangela has these huge titties, the kind I like to motorboat .
• 2013 August 1, Ben Brooks, Lolito , Canongate Books, →ISBN : 'And we can fucking smash his dick in. Elliot's coming. And Hattie.' 'Are you lying?' 'I am not lying.' 'If you are lying, I am going to smash your dick in.' ... Amundsen pushes his whole head into the bowl, motorboating his food.
• 2021 April 6, Natasha Osiris, Transformed into a Ts-Girl (M2F) by a Dice , AuthorHouse, →ISBN : Immediately I started to lick, to suck, to kiss, to blow and to motorboat her pussy .
• 2012 07 , Karen Alterisio Nelson, Millions of Reasons to Lie , iUniverse, →ISBN , page 118 : She wanted to straddle him and motorboat him right there. She thought about his chest again, and his lips. His dark eyelashes made his dark chocolate eyes so much darker, especially when they softened with desire.
• 2017 April 9, Harvey C Gordon, SEXciting PUNography , eBook Partnership, →ISBN : A man who was having trouble recalling an important piece of information put his head between his girlfriend's breasts and had her motorboat him. You might say the man was racking his brain trying to remember.
• 2019 April 24, Cassandra Dee, Buy Me: A Forbidden Romance , Cassandra Dee Romance: Some guys would have welcomed the opportunity to motorboat his face between two huge bags of saline, enjoying the artificial bounceback.
• 2020 January 28, Joe Ide, Hi Five , Mulholland Books, →ISBN : “Why didn't you just take your tits out and motorboat him?” “He was nice and polite, okay?” she said. “Something you should learn about. Where's the fucking car?” As good a time as any, Isaiah thought.
• 2020 August 18, Ashley & JaQuavis, Money Devils 1: A Cartel Novel , St. Martin's Press, →ISBN : It was the same girl from the boat earlier that day, but she was the one driving this go-around. She motorboated his face as he licked away. A petite-framed Latina woman was giving him oral while massaging his sack.
• 2021 September 1, Goran Radanovic, 10 Erotic Short Stories Vol. 1 , Goran Radanovic, →ISBN , page 51 : He smiled as I motorboated his face between my breasts.
• For more quotations using this term, see Citations:motorboat .

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Definition of motorboat noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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What does enjoying boating mean?

Boating, especially for leisure, is a popular activity that many people enjoy. Whether it’s cruising on a yacht or paddling a kayak, being out on the water can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in nature, such as on a boat, can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, consider taking a break and hitting the water for some much-needed stress relief.

Why do people like boating so much?

Finding Solitude on the Water: The Soothing Benefits of Boating

If you’re looking for a way to escape the stresses of daily life, boating might just be the answer. Being out on the open water can provide a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s as if all your worries and stress disappear as soon as you set sail. Perhaps it’s the fresh air, the gentle rocking of the boat, or the sound of the waves crashing against the hull that creates this calming effect.

Whatever the reason, boating is a great way to find solitude and soothe your soul.

What does it mean when a girl says whatever floats your boat?

The phrase “whatever floats your boat” is often used to encourage someone to do what makes them happy. For instance, if it’s your special day, we could either go to a fancy restaurant or catch a show at the theater. The choice is yours, and you should do what brings you the most joy.

What are boat lovers called?

Boat lovers are commonly referred to as boaters or sailors. However, there are also specific terms for those who enjoy certain types of boats, such as yachtsmen for those who own or sail yachts, or kayakers for those who prefer kayaking. Boat enthusiasts may also be referred to as nautical enthusiasts or simply water lovers. Regardless of the specific term used, those who love boats often share a passion for being on the water and enjoying the freedom and relaxation that comes with it.

What do you call men on a boat?

A sailor is an individual who is employed on a boat or ship. They are responsible for various tasks such as navigating, maintaining the vessel, and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Sailors are skilled professionals who undergo rigorous training to acquire the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform their duties effectively. They work in a challenging environment that requires them to be physically fit, mentally alert, and adaptable to changing conditions.

The life of a sailor can be demanding, but it can also be rewarding, as they get to travel to different parts of the world and experience new cultures.

What is a bedroom called on a boat?

A cabin is a designated space within a boat that can either refer to the entire interior or a specific room intended for sleeping. It provides a private and comfortable area for passengers to rest and relax during their voyage. Cabins come in various sizes and styles, depending on the type of boat and its purpose. Some cabins may have windows or portholes to allow natural light and fresh air to enter, while others may be equipped with air conditioning or heating systems for added comfort.

Regardless of the size or amenities, a cabin is an essential component of any boat, providing a cozy and secure space for passengers to retreat to after a long day on the water.

How do you become a boat mate?

Becoming a Ship, Boat, and Barge Mate typically requires 1 to 2 years of training, which involves a combination of on-the-job experience and training with seasoned professionals. It’s common for Ship, Boat, and Barge Mates to have 2 to 4 years of work experience and 1 to 3 months of job training.

What is motorboating in the military?

During a court martial, the military was required to give an official explanation of the term “motorboating.” According to court records, “motorboating” was described by multiple witnesses as an action where an individual puts their face between a woman’s breasts and moves their head back and forth.

What causes motorboating in a radio?

Motorboating is a common issue in radio equipment, particularly in those that have radio transmitters. This problem arises due to radio frequency interference (RFI), which occurs when the strong radio signal from the transmitter enters the audio or receiver circuits. This interference can cause a disturbance in the audio output, resulting in a motorboating sound. To prevent this issue, it is essential to ensure that the equipment is properly shielded and grounded to minimize the impact of RFI.

What is the origin of motor boating?

The Priestman Brothers, under the leadership of William Dent Priestman, were responsible for creating the very first motor boat. This groundbreaking invention was tested in 1888 and utilized a kerosene-powered engine with a unique high-tension ignition system. The company’s innovative approach to motorboat design paved the way for future advancements in the field.

What is the history of the speed boat?

The history of speedboats dates back to 1888 when the Priestman Brothers from Hull created the first-ever speedboat. This boat was powered by kerosene and utilized a high-tension ignition system. These boats not only performed well but also became popular as towing vessels for canals. It’s fascinating to see how far speedboats have come since their inception, and they continue to be a popular mode of transportation and recreation today.

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Definition of 'motorboat'

motorboat in British English

Motorboat in american english, examples of 'motorboat' in a sentence motorboat, trends of motorboat.

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motorboating

[ moh -ter-boh-ting ]

• the recreational activity of operating or traveling in a motorboat .
• a malfunction in audio equipment resulting in sounds like those produced by an outboard motor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorboating 1

Example Sentences

I thought about motorboating them, but that seemed a little past the line.

What does 'no cap' mean? What does rizz mean? A guide to Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang

What are the kids even saying these days?

It can be difficult to keep track of all the new words Gen Z and Gen Alpha say on a consistent basis. Cap? Rizz? Sometimes it can feel like your child, teenager or even young adult are speaking a different language.

Boomers, Gen X and millennials have no fear because here is a compiled list of the most popular slang words used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha and their definitions according to Merriam-Webster , Urban Dictionary and other experts like middle school teachers. You won't feel old anymore after understanding this new and hip vocabulary.

The definitions of Gen Z slang

Aura : noun, the unquestionable confidence of a person.

Based : noun, a word used when you want to recognize someone for being themselves and not caring what others think.

Bet : noun, another meaning for "OK"

Bussin : adjective, Extremely good, excellent

Cap / No Cap : noun, a lie/an expression to show someone is not lying.

Cooked : adjective, describing something in a negative way.

Drip : noun, clothing or accessories that are fashionable

Gyat : noun, short for "god-damn" used to describe someone with a curvaceous figure

Ick : noun, a feeling of disgust at something unpleasant or offensive.

Let them cook : give them space to do something they are good at.

Lit : noun, used to describe when something is cool or exciting

Mid : noun, used to insult or degrade an opposing opinion, labeling it as average or poor quality.

NPC : noun, a non-playable character in a video game, referring to a person who is predictable and follows along.

Opps : noun, anyone in competition or against you, an enemy.

Red Flag : noun, someone's negative qualities

Rizz : noun, short for charisma, romantic appeal or charm

Tea : noun, the best kind of gossip, shared between friends.

Slaps : adverb, describing something to be excellent or amazing

Sus : adjective, giving the impression that something is questionable or dishonest, short for suspicious.

Other Gen Alpha terms

Other slang terms and phrases that are more commonly used by today's teenagers and children can be a little more complicated to understand.

Some of these words have very little meaning at all, and it can be difficult to trace their background.

Some teenagers use the word skibiddi in many contexts where no one definition fits the word, but Know Your Meme blog says it comes from a series of YouTube videos from 2023.

One middle school teacher Philip Lindsay, who even went on USA TODAY to describe some Gen Alpha terms, helped break down the term Sigma in a video on TikTok where he says the term is a way to describe a successful male. He says his students sometimes use the term to say when something is the best.

Other terms like mewing or mogging are used to describe the looks of a person. Lindsay says the essence of the word mog or mogging is to appear more superior to someone in a physical or ascetic way. Lindsay helps break down mewing, which is an actual exercise that is suppose to strengthen your jawline, but his students practice the act of mewing when asked question they do not want to answer a question

Then there's fanum tax which is a phrase that comes from a Twitch streamer that he uses before he snatches a portion of their food.

Who knows what new terms and phrases develop from memes and influencers in the future, but for now hopefully you can better understand your child or student when they try talking to you with all the new slang.

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Explainer-what does a fed rate cut mean for american households.

By Lindsay Dunsmuir and Ann Saphir

(Reuters) -The Federal Reserve cut U.S. short-term borrowing costs on Wednesday by a bigger-than-usual half percentage point, a watershed moment that should start to ease some of the financial pressures everyday consumers have felt over the two and a half years that the central bank has battled with high inflation.

The Fed, after 5.25 percentage points of increases between March 2022 and July 2023, lowered its key rate to 4.75%-5.00% to address rising worries about the cooling labor market.

Financial markets are now pricing in the central bank to keep lowering rates to around 4.00%-4.25% by the end of the year, with more cuts in 2025.

Fed policymakers have said that they don't see the policy rate returning to the sub-2% levels that prevailed for more than a decade before 2022. That era's low mortgage rates, often under 4%, aren't coming back any time soon.

Still, a lower policy rate should translate to cheaper borrowing costs for most kinds of loans while, on average, paychecks are now rising faster than prices as inflation has cooled substantially. Even so, each trip to the grocery store is a reminder that today's dollars don't go as far they did just a few years ago.

So how will rate cuts affect ordinary Americans?

SOFTENING THE LANDING

The Fed's aggressive rate hikes, begun only after inflation had surged, were initially expected to cause an economic slowdown resulting in job losses.

Instead, the economy so far has averted recession, even as inflation by the Consumer Price Index dropped to 2.5% from a mid-2022 peak over 9%. Employers kept hiring, and the unemployment rate, even with its recent rise to 4.2%, is still low by historical standards.

In cutting rates, the Fed is trying to keep it like that. Already, hiring and wage growth have slowed, the number of job openings per worker has dropped, job search times are lengthening, and the number of workers settling for part-time work when they prefer full-time employment has risen.

Lower interest rates are aimed at easing those trends by making it less expensive for businesses and households to borrow and therefore spend more freely.

Whether the Fed can calibrate its rate cuts so as to achieve what economists call a soft landing - the policy coup of guiding an economy through a period of tight monetary policy to stifle inflation without jarring the labor market - will be one of the most important ways its actions will affect regular Americans.

"The challenge is that soft landings are rare and as much about luck as skill," says KPMG's Diane Swonk, who expects the Fed policy rate to be at 4.25%-4.50% by year end. "We have never achieved one in the wake of an actual bout of inflation."

COST OF CREDIT

Borrowing costs – rates on home loans, credit cards, auto loans and student loans - rose sharply as the Fed increased its policy rate.

Some of those rates, notably mortgages, have fallen quite a bit as the Fed has telegraphed its intentions for rate cuts: The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage recently fell to 6.20%, according to Freddie Mac, from a high of nearly 8% last October.

This week's rate cut, in other words, "has already been baked in," says Marcia Kaufman, CEO of Bayport Funding. Mortgage rates could fall more if the Fed signals deeper cuts than currently anticipated.

Other rates, for personal loans, credit cards and auto loans, are typically more closely tied to actual changes in the Fed's policy rate and should drop soon after the Fed acts, says Parthenon's Gregory Daco.

But the Fed isn't expected to slash its policy rate, so those rates - currently above 8% for five-year bank car loans, and more than 21% for bank credit cards, Fed data shows - likely won't move dramatically either.

As for student loans, if the loan is from the federal government it won't move at all. Rates on loans from private lenders will.

SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS

As the Fed raised its benchmark rate, banks raised rates on high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposits, with some banks crowing to savers about each increase.

As the Fed has signaled rate cuts, those same banks have quietly lowered their rates as well, and likely will drop them further once the Fed actually moves. For savers, that will be a negative.

The stock market's reaction to the Fed's rate cut is less predictable, because in the short-run it will hinge on whether the Fed's move is seen as locking in a soft landing, or a sign that the central bank is behind the curve and could crash the economy.

Over the longer run, lower interest rates tend to push up the stock market as a whole as investors are enticed to take on more risk when yields on safe assets like government bonds fall.

About 58% of American households in 2022 had money in the stock market, according to Fed research. Nearly all families among the top 10% of earners owned stocks, compared to 34% of families with earnings in the bottom half.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

While mortgage rates have dropped in anticipation of the Fed's rate cuts, housing affordability remains at levels comparable to what was seen during the housing bubble that preceded the 2007-2009 financial crisis, national data from the Atlanta Fed shows.

A Fed interest rate cut will do little to change that in the short-term, Fed policymakers have said. Eventually, lower borrowing costs should filter through to the housing market, encouraging builders to add supply and homeowners who locked in low mortgage rates years ago to consider selling.

"The dynamic between interest rates and home prices is very different in this business cycle post pandemic and the reason is we lack housing supply, both single and multi-family," says Nationwide's Kathy Bostjancic. "But one way you get increased supply in the market is having mortgage rates going down...in some areas you may actually see a little bit of a decrease in home prices because of increased availability."

(Reporting by Ann Saphir and Lindsay Dunsmuir; Editing by Dan Burns and Andrea Ricci)

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Debt Will Likely Be Cheaper

Hiring can make a comeback, savers will lose some of their returns.

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The Federal Reserve Just Cut Interest Rates. What Does that Mean for You?

Investopedia / Photo Illustration by Alice Morgan / Getty Images

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Federal Reserve cut its influential federal fund rates by 50 bps today. This is the first cut to the central bank's key interest rate since 2020.
• With the rate cut, borrowing costs for all kinds of loans should decrease.
• Hiring has slowed down over the past few months as high interest rates have started slowing the economy. Lower rates mean business loans are more affordable, and employers may be more encouraged to hire.
• While the rate cut will lower borrowing costs and increase hiring, savers will likely lose their high returns on different savings products.

The Federal Reserve delivered its f irst interest rate cut since 2020 Wednesday—and that has far-reaching effects on your wallet.

In their meeting this week, the central bank cut the influential federal fund rate by 50 bps reducing the range to 4.75%—5%. Before Wednesday, the Fed had kept its key interest rate in the range of 5.25%—5.5% for more than a year. The rate cut marks a shift toward ending of the central bank’s campaign to tame inflation, which flared first in 2021.

The federal funds rate is the target interest rate set by the Fed, which commercial banks use when they borrow and lend excess reserves to each other overnight. Because banks will now charge each other less to borrow money. They will, in turn, pass those changes on to customers.

This interest rate cut should help stimulate the economy and reduce rates on loans and credit cards. Here’s how that could affect you.

Interest rate hikes pushed up borrowing costs for all types of debt, including mortgages, credit cards, and car loans over the last two years. If you have taken out debt during that time, you may be able to get better rates in the wake of the Fed's rate cut.

A key example is mortgage rates, which have already decreased as the market prepared for a rate cut. Now that it's official, many experts believe rates will continue to fall, and financial planners say now may be the time for you to take advantage of lower refinancing rates. The same goes for other kinds of debt, including auto loans.

As consumers attempted to contend with inflation, credit card usage rose. That has left many struggling to pay back their debt as interest rates on credit cards have risen by seven percentage points since the Fed began its campaign of rising interest rates.

After Wednesday's cut, interest rates on credit cards will likely fall. If your rate is lowered, it will automatically be applied to your credit card, and you likely won't be notified. This doesn't happen immediately and may take more than a month to adjust.

However, you don't have to wait for your issuer to lower your interest rate to save money. Financial planners have suggested switching high-interest debt to lower-interest credit cards or personal loans . With a rate cut, consumers may find more options for a low-interest loan, they said.

Although high interest rates were meant to discourage borrowing and spending and subdue inflation, they have also slowed the economy and hurt the labor market. 

As business loans become more costly, employers have stalled hiring. The Department of Labor’s report on the job market earlier this month showed 142,000 jobs added in August, below the 161,000 economists predicted.

The jobs market has been under a microscope as the Federal Reserve has shifted its focus from fighting inflation to preventing layoffs. In August, the unemployment rate grew to a level that triggered a normally reliable recession indicator . Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other officials have expressed concerns about a weakening labor market, and officials indicated they were cutting interest rates in part to prevent further job losses.

With an interest rate cut, business borrowing costs will fall. The ability to borrow more cheaply will likely encourage employers to increase hiring.

While an interest rate cut may decrease consumer costs, savers may not earn as much money.

Stocking away money in  high-yield savings accounts  or  CDs  was lucrative for savers who wanted to take advantage of high interest rates during the Fed's fight against inflation. For example, rates for a 6-month CD shot up after the Fed began hiking rates, getting as high as 6% in October 2023, according to research by Investopedia.

Wednesday's Fed decision will start lowering the amount of interest banks offer savers. While savings rates may not fall to where they were before the Fed began its campaign of interest rate hikes, they will generally follow the Fed's decisions in its upcoming meetings.

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Meaning of motorboat in English

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• cabin cruiser
• dragon boat
• While you can take a motorboat, many people prefer to take the original Venetian taxi, the famous gondola.  

motorboat | Intermediate English

Examples of motorboat, translations of motorboat.

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porch pirate

someone who steals parcels that have been left outside people's houses for them

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What does 'woke' mean in politics? How the term is used now is far from its original meaning

The word "woke" is tossed around a lot in political and social debates all around the country. It's ramping up as Election Day draws near.

The term carries different meanings and strong emotional connections for people, and it has changed over the years. So what is the history and the meaning of the word "woke"? And why you can expect to see it become a frequently used term in the presidential election in November?

What is the definition and history of 'woke'?

The term "woke" used to have a different meaning. It was first used by Pan-African activist Marcus Garvey as early as 1923 . "Woke" was meant to acknowledge the struggles of African Americans and a word of empowerment for some Black people.

When the Black Lives Matter movement began after the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, "woke" expanded outside of Black communities into the larger public lexicon and became co-opted or appropriated for various political agendas , the definition of the word has evolved and come to mean different things to different people.

What do conservatives mean when they say 'woke'?

The term woke has been used by conservative figures as pejorative term to describe the following social justice initiatives:

• LGBTQ rights: A movement advocating for the equal treatment and elimination of discriminatory policies hurting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, according to Britannica .
• Gender-affirming care: Access to services such as mental health, medical, surgical and nonmedical services for nonbinary and transgender people, according to the Office of Population Affairs.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion measures: A form of hiring and employee retention meant to reduce biases and improve the accessibility of jobs for disenfranchised minorities. Companies such as Harley-Davidson and Tractor Supply have faced boycotts over these measures .
• Critical race theory: A social and intellectual movement that studies the relationship between race, racism and power, as described by theorists Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic in their book, “Critical Race Theory: The Cutting Edge.”

How is the term 'woke' viewed?

A USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll from March 2023 demonstrates the varying ideas for what 'woke' means among Americans between Republicans and Democrats.

Of those surveyed , 56% percent say the term means "to be informed, educated on and aware of social injustices." That includes not only three-fourths of Democrats but also more than a third of Republicans. Overall, 39% say the word reflects what has become the GOP political definition, "to be overly politically correct and police others' words." 56% of Republicans agreed with this view.

The term will likely continue to be a point of contention heading into the November election.

'Woke culture' decried by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Tesla CEO Elon Musk

For years, conservative activists, lawmakers and politicians have used the term "woke" as a slam against progressive values and liberal initiatives.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has previously warned Republicans against allowing a "woke" culture to flourish. He posted on X to say the "wokeness is weakness" and it has no place in schools or military. He didn't detail what he meant.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his estranged daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson was "killed" by the "woke mind virus" and claimed he was tricked into signing documents agreeing to  gender-affirming care procedures for her.

USA TODAY contributed to this report

What the Fed’s interest rate cut means for mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debt

This week’s cut in the Federal Reserve’s key interest rate makes it a good time for consumers to think about how to take advantage of the first tick down in interest rates since 2020.

For those planning to purchase a home or motor vehicle, you can expect slightly lower interest rates on mortgages and auto loans, both of which have been trending downward in anticipation of the Fed’s rate cut.

And even on existing loans, there’s a glimmer of hope that consumers may eventually save money by refinancing their mortgages and auto loans, so long as the Federal Reserve continues to cut its benchmark interest rate in the months to come, as many economists and the Fed itself predict it will do.

The cut in the Fed’s benchmark rate will also likely drive down interest rates on credit card debt, which could eventually save consumers hundreds of dollars a month.

Prior to this week’s cut of a half a percentage point, the Fed’s benchmark rate stood at a range of 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent. Financial analysts say it could go below 3.5 percent by May. That would be a relief for consumers who have recently faced the highest interest rates in more than two decades.

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Here’s what consumers need to know:

Does the Fed’s cut in its interest rate mean an automatic interest cut on my consumer loans?

No, your loans are legally enforceable contracts between you and your lender. Nothing the Federal Reserve does can change that. But a cut in the Fed’s rate means money is cheaper to borrow — for lenders as well as borrowers. Lenders competing for your business may offer lower interest rates because it’s costing them less to borrow the money they loan you. It’s up to you to take advantage of these market forces by shopping for lower rates.

How does it affect mortgage rates?

Mortgage rates are not tied directly to the Fed’s rate. But they are significantly influenced by it, along with such market factors like inflation, bond yields, and risk. Rates hit record lows of under 3 percent during the pandemic, then shot up to more than 8 percent in late 2023 as the Fed responded to rapid inflation by jacking up its interest rate. Today, mortgage rates are in the 6.5 percent to 7.3 range. Bankrate, a personal finance company that operates a popular website, forecasts further decline in mortgage interest rates “though the timing remains uncertain.”

Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before buying a home?

Probably not. The consensus among many financial analysts is that mortgage rates aren’t likely to drop below 5 percent any time soon. Meanwhile, home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. In fact, falling mortgage interest rates could push home prices even higher. If you find a home that you can afford at current mortgage rates, it might be best to grab it. Of course, it’s important to shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Besides banks, check rates offered by mortgage brokers and credit unions and make sure you are making apple-to-apple comparisons by factoring in fees and other expenses that get tacked on to some mortgages.

What about home equity lines of credit?

Borrowing money against the equity in your home may make sense to finance home improvements, consolidate debt, or make other large purchases. Due to the recent appreciation in home values many homeowners have considerable equity in their homes. And taking a home equity loan or line of credit for needed cash is a lot cheaper than a personal loan or piling up debt on your credit card. Interest rates on home equity loans tend to follow the Fed rate more closely than mortgage rates, so you can expect a gradual step down.

Is it too early to think about refinancing my mortgage?

Probably, but it’s worth tracking mortgage interest rates in the months to come to see if they go significantly below your current rate. Many financial analysts say refinancing is a good idea if you can reduce your interest rate by at least 2 percent because you must cover the additional fees that come with refinancing. Others say a 1 percent savings is incentive enough to consider refinancing.

How does refinancing work?

It basically means you pay off your existing mortgage at its existing interest rate with a new mortgage with a lower rate. You may refinance with a new lender or your current one. Remember, lenders are now borrowing money at a cheaper rate and therefore can afford to compete for market share by offering lower rates. A refi could save you hundreds of dollars monthly.

What should I know about auto loans?

The average rate on a new car loan last month was 7.1 percent, down from 7.4 a year ago but up from 5.7 in 2022, according to Edmunds, an auto shopping website. Auto loans rates are not tied directly to the Fed rate, but are certainly influenced by it. At some point you could consider refinancing your auto loan, but first check whether it’s subject to a prepayment penalty for paying it off early.

What about student loans?

Current federal loans are 6.53 percent for undergraduates, 8.03 percent for unsubsidized graduate student loans, and 9.08 for PLUS loans available to parents and graduate students. Federal student loans can be refinanced with private lenders whose interest rates are influenced by the Fed rate. But there’s a big caveat before going private. Private student loans do not offer the same benefits as federal student loans, such as deferment and forbearance, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs for certain government and not-for-profit organization jobs.

What’s the impact of the Fed’s rate cut on credit card debt?

About half of American credit cardholders carry a monthly balance. The average carry-over balance is close to $7,000 and the average interest rate on those balances is almost 23 percent. The Fed’s rate cut should cause the banks that issue credit cards to begin dropping their rates, but probably not as fast as you might expect. Keep in mind that a 1 percentage point drop in your credit card interest rate would push the monthly interest cost on $7,000 of debt from $134 to $128, not as much you may think. But what you should focus on is that credit card debt is by far the most expensive form of consumer borrowing and should be avoided if possible. Carrying a balance is like subsidizing your bank.

Can I refinance credit card debt?

Yes, one way to do it is by taking a home equity loan. But a more common method is to make a balance transfer to another credit card company. Once again it pays to shop around: You can tell your credit card company you are prepared to make a balance transfer unless it lowers your rate. Some credit card companies offer zero percent interest on balance transfers. But remember: Low or zero interest on balance transfers usually last for a limited time before reverting back to higher rates. And balance transfers come with fees, typically 4 percent of the amount transferred. Your goal should be to pay off the balance during the low or zero interest period.

How do I shop for a lowest credit card interest rate?

You can find plenty of websites offering comparisons of credit cards by typing “shopping for a low interest credit card” into your browser.

Got a problem? Send your consumer issue to [email protected] . Follow him @spmurphyboston .