Why do the English call trunk boot?

The term "boot" for the trunk of a car in British English is thought to have originated from the "boot lid", which is the hinged cover for the luggage compartment. The word "boot" itself has a long history in English, meaning a "shoe" or a "thick leather covering for a leg".

The connection between the word "boot" and the car's trunk is likely due to the shape of the early car trunks, which resembled a large shoe or a boot. The term "boot lid" then became shortened to simply "boot," referring to the entire luggage compartment.

Here's a possible timeline of how this happened:

1. Early cars: Trunks were often large and boxy, resembling a boot.

2. "Boot lid": The lid of the trunk was called the "boot lid."

3. Shortening: The term "boot lid" was shortened to just "boot."

Today, the term "boot" is a common and well-established term for the trunk of a car in British English. It is a quirky example of how language can evolve and adapt to reflect changes in society and technology.