Jockstrap

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈd͡ʒɑkstɹæp/

Definitions

  1. A specialized undergarment for men that offers support and protection to the genital area while participating in sports activities, typically consisting of a front pouch and adjustable straps
  2. An athletic garment designed for males, which secures the genital region with a pouch at the front and elastic straps around the waist
  3. A supportive undergarment for men used primarily in sports, featuring a front compartment for protection and straps that go around the waist

Etymology: The term emerged in the late 19th century, closely tied to the rise of organized sports and the need for protective athletic wear. The device itself was invented in the 1870s by a Chicago sporting goods company called the Bike Web Company, which sought to create a supportive garment for bicyclists. Originally, it consisted of an elastic waistband attached to a supportive pouch and two straps that secured around the thighs, offering protection and comfort during vigorous physical activity. The name combines "jock," a slang term for an athlete or sportsman, with "strap," referring to the garment’s securing bands. "Jock" itself appeared earlier in English slang, likely as a shortened form of "jockie" or "jockey," which was used in the 19th century to denote someone who rides horses professionally or participates in sports. By the time the new athletic supporter was introduced, "jock" had broadened to mean any athlete, especially a male one. The invention gained popularity quickly among college athletes who needed better protection during contact sports like football and baseball. The term "jockstrap" was first recorded in print in the 1890s, reflecting its growing adoption in sports culture. It was a practical solution that soon became standard athletic gear, and the word itself stuck because of its straightforward descriptive nature. Over time, the word has retained its original meaning, but the cultural associations expanded, sometimes used informally or humorously to refer to men who are athletic or wear this type of supporter. Its straightforward composition—the sport-related "jock" plus a functional "strap"—makes it a rare example of a product name that directly indicates both its user and its design in a vivid, evocative way.