WHAT IS the difference between a “chauffeur” and a “driver”?
(S. Rajan, Chennai) The first syllable “chau” of “chauffeur” sounds like the word “show”. The following “eur” is like the “a” in “china”. The main stress is on the first syllable. This is one way of pronouncing the word. “Chauffeur” is not used very often in our country; we prefer the word “driver”. A chauffeur, in most western countries, is a man or a woman hired by someone to drive him around. The “drivers” of very wealthy people are called “chauffeurs” and so are individuals who transport people between hotels and airports. A chauffeur knows your destination even before he picks you up your trips are prearranged. This is not the case with a taxi driver you inform him of your destination after you get in his car. Unlike a taxi driver, a chauffeur drives a great car (often a limousine) and is usually in uniform. This individual is paid for his services. A driver, on the other hand, needn’t always be paid for his services. Anyone can be a driver. When we drive our cars, scooters or mot
