Dictionary definition of “scarlet letter”

scarlet letter

n. a license plate that indicates the automobile’s owner has been convicted of driving while drunk. Subjects: English, Automobiles & Transportation, Crime & Prisons

Etymological Note: This is a more specific sense of scarlet letter ‘a badge or symbol worn to indicate the bearer has committed a crime,’ often used figuratively. It originated in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 book The Scarlet Letter, in which a scarlet-colored A was worn as punishment for adultery.

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Citations: 1983 Susan Chira @ Albany, N.Y, New York Times (May 3) “Further Measures To Curb Drunken Driving Studied In Albany”: The two proposals that have received the most attention—both introduced by Senator Levy—call for a study of the possible issuing of “scarlet letter” license plates to people convicted of drunken driving and the possible seizure of cars of people arrested on a charge of drunken driving. 1993 Jim Massie @ Circleville, Ohio Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) (Sept. 2) “Court of Appeal; Fun-Loving Yet Serious Circleville Judge Makes An Impression” p. 1E: The court became the first in Ohio to immobilize the vehicles of repeat OMVI offenders. Adkins also began ordering repeat offenders to put yellow license tags on their automobiles as “scarlet letters,” he said. 2005 Amanda Erickson @ Albany, N.Y. Press & Sun-Bulletin (Binghamton, N.Y. ) (June 17) “DWI plates would ID offenders”: Two senators unveiled a measure Thursday that would require drivers convicted of three drunken-driving offenses in a five-year period, or four within 10 years, to purchase license plates with a number code that police could use to identify them as convicted drunken drivers.…In Ohio, the plates are known as “scarlet letters.”

Posted 22 Jun 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend