straphanger

[ strap-hang-er ]

noun

1. a passenger who stands in a crowded bus or subway train and holds onto a strap or other support suspended from above.
2. any user of such public transportation.

straphanger

/ ˈstræpˌhæŋə /

noun

1. informal.
   a passenger in a bus, train, etc, who has to travel standing, esp by holding on to a strap

Derived Forms

• ˈstrapˌhanging, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of straphanger¹

First recorded in 1900–05; strap + hanger

Example Sentences

When they raise a fist in the air, it looks less like the defiant punch of striking workers or a Black Power salute than like the stance of a straphanger, pendant and insecure.

From New York Times

But as authorities plead for straphangers to ride inside the train, daredevils continue to perform their dangerous stunts on the outside, according to MTA data.

From Seattle Times

“I don’t want to live in a world in which maintaining public order falls to everyday straphangers.”

From Washington Times

Is one of the straphangers the bad guy?

From New York Times

It may have looked ridiculous to other drivers, like I was imitating a subway straphanger — aping public transportation in the most private transportation there is — but I didn’t care.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• driver
• passenger
• traveler