Both words "driver" and "chauffeur" are still present in the vocabulary. But usually people use them without thinking about their true meaning. By and large, few of us generally understand the difference between these definitions, and do not even know if it exists at all. In reality, there is also a significant difference.
First of all, let's figure out what is the meaning of the definition of "chauffeur". This word in Russian appeared thanks to the French Chauffeur (in our version, it is thanks to him that the emphasis is always placed not on the first, but on the second syllable). If translated literally, then it is "stoker" or "stoker". In the nineteenth century, this is what the railway workers were called, throwing coal or firewood into locomotive furnaces.
Gradually, this definition has taken root in relation to locomotive drivers. And with the advent of the first motor transport, the word “chauffeur” smoothly migrated to the automotive world. In principle, everything is clear - the person who drove the car, like the previous transport, also began to be called that so that nothing new could be invented.
It should be noted that driving cars before and now are not the same thing. It was not so easy, and it was rather dirty. Electronics, electric starters did not exist in nature. Therefore, everything was done by hand. Regularly somewhere, something had to be greased or twisted, repaired. There was no talk of service stations either. Therefore, a person not only drove a car, but also repaired and serviced it.
In the Soviet Union, after the Great Patriotic War, there was a massive motorization. In different regions of the vast country, on the roads, in addition to government and trucks, cars began to be met. At the same time, a service station began to open, where mechanics worked, servicing all types of vehicles. It was then that the drivers appeared.
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To understand what the word "driver" means, it is best to go back to its origins. Initially, this was the name of a person who showed someone the way. That is, the driver is the one who sees off and drives.
Having understood the origin and meaning of both concepts, it is easy to see the difference between them. A driver is a person who is only engaged in the management of any vehicle, be it a car or a bus. The chauffeur not only drives the transport, but also cope with any breakdown without any problems, he can independently repair and service the equipment.
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In the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, class drivers, professionals, were called nothing other than chauffeurs. They, without outside help, could determine the malfunction, sort out the box and the motor, bring their vehicle back to life. Often, such craftsmen did not trust even experienced mechanics with their work or personal cars.
If we talk about our time, then every year there are less and less drivers, and, on the contrary, more drivers. Even if we are talking about professionals working in large transport companies, taxi services, car fleets, then you rarely meet a real driver here. This profession was divided into two - driver and mechanic. Accordingly, everyone does their own thing. Well, if the chauffeur, as a specialist, disappears, then the word ambulance itself will become outdated.
Take note of life hacks from the past by reading why did the Soviet drivers carry salt, laundry soap and aspirin with them.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/080520/54441/