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[deleted] t1_j10qew1 wrote

[deleted]

−33

marketingguy420 t1_j10smbx wrote

...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]

−17

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I do agree that the term is pretty outdated and out of fashion, but to say it's like a curse word is kinda projecting....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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mangotree12 t1_j10tric wrote

NY Post is the only time I’ve ever seen that term used and I hate it too. Also agreed it sounds demeaning. Nobody would ever self describe themselves as a straphanger wtf

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drpvn t1_j10v70z wrote

Demeaning? It’s a reference to the straps that used to hang on subways. Everybody who didn’t arrive in NYC ten minutes ago knows what it means.

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twelvydubs t1_j10ztky wrote

Only on this sub are there weirdos that get triggered by the word "straphanger"

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Darbies t1_j110ym2 wrote

I don't get triggered, but it is always the NY Post that uses the term and I think that's interesting. I'm actually quite shocked the article title doesn't say straphanger and this person used the term on their own. Like actually shocked lol.

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drpvn t1_j11a0xb wrote

Lol, you’re not going to get away with this absurd reaction by playing up the “the Post does it so it must be bad” angle.

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Darbies t1_j11b3ck wrote

I'm not going for any angle, just commenting on someone else's comment, but sure okay! (I upvoted your comment! lol)

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drpvn t1_j11b74y wrote

I’m onto you, you disgusting straphanger!

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HiFiGuy197 t1_j11egst wrote

If anything, this tragedy was caused by a distinct failure to strap (or pole) hang.

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twelvydubs t1_j11rl1x wrote

> I don't get triggered, but it is always the NY Post that uses the term and I think that's interesting.

Except it's....not always the NY Post? It's a pretty common term used throughout NYC media

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/26/nyregion/for-voice-of-straphangers-a-journey-without-stops.html https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/14/nyregion/if-a-pregnant-straphangers-bump-isnt-obvious-maybe-the-button-will-be.html

https://www.amny.com/news/deranged-man-harlem-stabbed-straphanger/

https://www.amny.com/new-york/nyc-straphangers-speak-out-subway-safety/

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/12/09/straphangers-add-masks-to-protect-themselves-from-covid

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/02/19/straphangers-react-to-mayor-adams--subway-safety-plan

https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/not-even-anne-hathaway-can-cheer-up-the-saddest-straphanger

And this is just from a quick 3 minute search.

Like I've mentioned in another post it's a term I've seen thrown around everywhere since I was a baby. Is it an outdated term? Sure. But only on this sub are weirdos so bothered by it

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meantnothingatall t1_j11ycfd wrote

I was going to say I used to hear it on the news all of the time. 🤷‍♂️

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