straphanger
1
8.3
- noun
- /ˈstræpˌhæŋər/
- US
- As the train lurched forward, the straphangers grabbed the handrails to steady themselves.
Examples
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They skid to a halt just as the train doors open. Startled straphangers stare at Bourne and Marie as they step onto the platform and take off running.
Fiction book (2002) -
No, I don't want to be a straphanger.
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You goddamn straphangers are ruining Mrs. Crane's beverage service!
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Later that morning, on my way to work, I kept thinking the straphangers on the train were too aware of me: panhandlers, businessmen, all of them.
Fiction book (1996) -
Buildings of different heights, shapes, and styles are jammed together like straphangers in a rush-hour subway car.
Fiction book (1994) -
A parade of potential straphangers walked down 4th and 5th Aves. in Brooklyn as New Yorkers, always resourceful, took their commutes into their own hands.
Blog text (17) -
"We are on uncharted territory here in terms of restoring the system," MTA Chief Joe Lhota added, noting that subways would not be running as frequently as straphangers are used to during the morning rush.
Blog text (6) -
During the rush hour, many straphangers crowded the subway, holding tightly to the overhead straps.
-
The bus was packed with straphangers who stood shoulder to shoulder, trying to keep their balance.
Synonyms
A person who pays to ride a bus or train
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Straphanger comes from the simple image of two words, strap and hanger: someone who 'hangs' from a strap on a crowded bus or train to keep steady. So, a straphanger is a public-transport rider who often stands and holds a strap or handrail.