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marketingguy420 t1_j10smbx wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in Two straphangers fatally struck by NYC train, cops say by im_coolest

...Because that's what they did lol. You held onto a leather strap attached to the poles of the train decades ago. We still say "hang up the phone" and will use countless idioms long after their original meanings evaporate.

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[deleted] t1_j10xl6j wrote

[deleted]

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twelvydubs t1_j10zqfk wrote

Idk, that negative connotation might just be you. I'm in my mid-20's, so I'm not that old, and I still remember there were train cars and buses where there actually were straps that you hold onto when you're standing.

And no, it wasn't just the NY Post that used that term, I remember reading/hearing it from all over growing up, NY1, NY Daily News, NY Times, local news, etc.

I do agree that the term is pretty outdated and out of fashion, but to say it's like a curse word is kinda projecting....

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[deleted] t1_j112186 wrote

[deleted]

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Meteorboy t1_j1178xe wrote

I know why you don't like the term: it implies low class, that only poor people take the subway. They stand in a subway and hold onto a strap on their way to work. It's not comfortable or convenient as driving a car. Living in NYC is expensive and we pay a lot to live in tiny apartments. But there isn't really a negative connotation more than calling someone who jumps off a bridge a jumper.

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Pork-Roll t1_j143irs wrote

That's an interesting explanation. I guess I just see it as anyone who uses the train. I stand up almost all the time, and everyone from suits to overnight workers use it.

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robul0n t1_j10y724 wrote

I agree with you it sounds kind of negative, but cramming into a packed train every morning on your way to work kind of sucks, so I think it's apt.

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