pousseuses

Pousseuse is a French feminine noun derived from pousser, meaning “one who pushes.” In ordinary usage, it refers to a woman who pushes something, such as a door, a cart, or a stroller.

In a specialized context, pousseuse designates female operators of pousse-pousse, human-powered transport devices consisting of a cart or carriage that is pushed by a person to move passengers or goods. Pousse-pousse systems are found in several Francophone regions and cities, where they function as informal urban transport or street-sale arrangements.

Geographic and socio-economic context: pousse-pousse operators work in street markets, busy streets, and at transport hubs. The work is typically informal and physically demanding, often organized as small-scale, independent activity. Earnings usually depend on the number of rides or the distance traveled, and working conditions can vary considerably depending on local regulation, demand, and competition.

Related terms and distinctions: the masculine form pousseur refers to a male operator, while the vehicle itself is commonly described as a pousse-pousse. Other related terms include porteur, used for a general carrier or bearer of goods, and other occupational descriptors that specify the task rather than the device.

Etymology and usage notes: the suffix -euse marks the feminine agent noun from pousser. The term pousseuse is understood primarily in contexts involving manual transport or street vending, and it is less common in standard, formal French outside these settings.