Straphanger
Meaning: A subway rider; someone who commutes by subway, especially standing and holding a strap or pole.
Straphanger refers to any regular subway commuter, named after the leather straps passengers used to grip while standing on crowded trains. Though modern trains use metal poles and handles, the term endures. The Straphangers Campaign is a famous NYC transit advocacy group. It connotes the everyday experience of the working New Yorker.
Examples
- Millions of straphangers rely on the subway every day. 数百万地铁通勤族每天都依赖地铁出行。Millones de straphangers dependen del metro todos los días.何百万人ものストラップハンガーが毎日地下鉄に頼っている。수백만 명의 스트랩행어가 매일 지하철에 의존한다.
- As a fellow straphanger, I feel your pain about the delays. 作为同样的地铁通勤族,我完全理解你对延误的痛苦。Como compañero de metro, entiendo tu frustración con los retrasos.同じストラップハンガーとして、遅延のつらさは分かるよ。같은 지하철 통근자로서, 지연의 고통은 충분히 이해해.
- The straphangers were packed in like sardines during rush hour. 高峰时段,地铁通勤族们挤得像沙丁鱼罐头一样。Los pasajeros del metro iban apiñados como sardinas en hora punta.ラッシュアワーにストラップハンガーたちはすし詰め状態だった。러시아워에 스트랩행어들은 콩나물시루처럼 빽빽하게 차 있었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: commuting, transit, urban life
Tone: everyday, communal
✓ Do Say
- Fellow straphangers will understand.地铁通勤族们会理解的。Los compañeros de metro lo entenderán.同じストラップハンガー仲間なら分かるだろう。같은 스트랩행어라면 이해할 거야.
- Straphangers are fed up with delays.地铁通勤族们已经受够了延误。Los usuarios del metro están hartos de los retrasos.ストラップハンガーたちは遅延にうんざりしている。스트랩행어들은 지연에 질렸다.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use for bus or car commuters — it's specifically about subway riders不要用于公交车或开车通勤的人——这个词专指地铁乘客No se usa para viajeros de autobús o coche — se refiere específicamente a los usuarios del metro.バスや車の通勤者には使わないこと——地下鉄の乗客に限定した言葉버스나 자동차 통근자에게는 사용하지 말 것 — 이 단어는 지하철 승객에 한정된 표현이다
Origin & History
From the leather straps that hung from the ceiling of early New York City subway and streetcar cars, which standing passengers held for balance. The term dates to the early 1900s when the NYC subway system was built.
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: New York City — subway culture
More From This Topic
More from Regional: Northeast / NYC
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free