Straphanger

Pronunciation: /stræp.hæŋ.ər/

Definitions of straphanger

noun a person who commutes by public transportation, especially by holding onto a strap or handrail for support

Example Sentences

A1 A straphanger is someone who regularly uses public transportation.

A2 The straphanger held onto the pole tightly as the train jolted forward.

B1 Being a straphanger in a busy city can be a convenient way to get around.

B2 The crowded subway was filled with tired straphangers on their way home from work.

C1 As a seasoned straphanger, she knew all the shortcuts and best times to travel.

C2 The experienced straphanger effortlessly navigated the complex public transportation system.

Examples of straphanger in a Sentence

formal The straphanger patiently waited for the next subway train to arrive.

informal The straphanger was annoyed by the delays on the subway.

slang The straphanger was squished in the crowded subway car.

figurative As a straphanger in life, she held on tight through the ups and downs.

Grammatical Forms of straphanger

• past tense: straphung
• plural: straphangers
• comparative: more straphanging
• superlative: most straphanging
• present tense: straphangs
• future tense: will straphang
• perfect tense: have straphanged
• continuous tense: is straphanging
• singular: straphanger
• positive degree: straphanger
• infinitive: to straphang
• gerund: straphanging
• participle: straphanged

Origin and Evolution of straphanger

First Known Use: 1902 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'straphanger' originated in New York City in the early 20th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe commuters who held onto the straps in crowded subway cars, the term 'straphanger' has evolved to refer to any public transportation passenger, regardless of whether straps are available for holding onto or not.