Definition
Driving around town, often in a car with friends, for leisure or socializing rather than to reach a specific destination. Historically associated with American youth culture, particularly in the 1950s-70s, and often involved showing off vehicles and meeting peers at popular gathering spots.
Example Usage
On Friday nights, teenagers would go cruising down Main Street looking for action.
Origin
From the verb 'cruise,' meaning to sail or travel leisurely; popularized in American automotive culture mid-20th century.
Fun Fact
Cruising peaked as a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s-70s and is immortalized in films like 'American Graffiti' (1973).
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “cruising” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator