straphanger
[ strap-hang-er ]
/ ˈstræpˌhæŋ ər /
noun
a passenger who stands in a crowded bus or subway train and holds onto a strap or other support suspended from above.
any user of such public transportation.
Nearby words
- strap work,
- strap-hinge,
- strap-laid,
- strap-oil,
- straphang,
- strapless,
- strapline,
- strappado,
- strapped,
- strapped for
Origin of straphanger
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for straphanger
Straphanger (in first-class compartment, to first-class passenger).
Mr. Punch's Life in London|Various
straphanger
/ (ˈstræpˌhæŋə) /
noun
informal a passenger in a bus, train, etc, who has to travel standing, esp by holding on to a strap
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
straphanger
also strap-hanger "bus or subway rider," 1905, from strap (n.) + hanger. In reference to the hanging straps in cars meant to be held on to by those without seats.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper