Pronunciation: [hˈɪt͡ʃhɪkə] (IPA) 
The word "hitchhiker" is spelled with two sets of double letters: "h-i-t-c-h-h-i-k-e-r." These letters represent specific sounds in the English language. The "h" and "k" sounds are pronounced with a puff of air (aspirated), while the "c" represents an unvoiced "s" sound. The "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound and the "e" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "hitchhiker" is /ˈhɪtʃˌhaɪkər/.
A "hitchhiker" is an individual who travels by obtaining rides from passing vehicles or people without any prearranged agreement or payment. Also commonly referred to as a thumb traveler or a thumb hiker, the concept of hitchhiking involves standing at the side of a road, highway, or designated hitchhiking spot, often with a thumb extended, as a signal to passing drivers that they are seeking a ride to a specific destination.
Typically, hitchhikers are looking for free transportation to their desired location and rely on the goodwill or curiosity of strangers to offer them a lift. This mode of travel is often adopted by individuals who are seeking to explore new places, on a limited budget, or simply enjoy the experience of meeting new people.
However, it is important to note that hitchhiking can carry certain risks, as it involves getting into vehicles with unfamiliar individuals. Safety precautions are advised, such as assessing the driver's behavior and reliability before accepting a ride. Governments and transportation authorities in many regions often have regulations or restrictions on hitchhiking due to these concerns.
Overall, a hitchhiker is an adventurous and resourceful traveler who relies on the generosity and support of others to reach their chosen destination, while simultaneously embracing the unpredictability and unique encounters that hitchhiking usually entails.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hitchhiker" is derived from the combination of two terms: "hitch" and "hiker".
The term "hitch" originally referred to tying or fastening something. It comes from the Old English word "hycgan", meaning "to think" or "to intend". Over time, "hitch" began to be used to describe attaching oneself to a vehicle or a ride, which eventually led to the specific meaning of "hitchhiking".
The term "hiker" comes from the word "hike", which originated in the 1800s and referred to a long walk or trek, usually taken for pleasure or exercise. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "hikja", meaning "to limp" or "walk slowly".
