Origin of the term Jockstrap

[Bretrick]

The jockstrap was invented in 1874 by C. F. Bennett of a Chicago sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith, to provide comfort and support for bicycle jockeys working the cobblestone streets of Boston.
From the period c .1650–c. 1850, ‘jock’ was used as slang for the male "member".
The word jockstrap has purportedly been in use at least since 1891, a likely contraction of “jockey strap”, as the garment was first designed for bicycle-riding messengers and deliverymen, or bike jockeys. The Bike Jockey Strap was the first jockstrap manufactured in America in 1874.

 

[timoc]

Thank you for the concise explanation, Bret, without it, I would have continued to think it was a trap belonging to a Scotsman named Jock.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Thank you for the concise explanation, Bret, without it, I would have continued to think it was a trap belonging to a Scotsman named Jock.

@timoc, It could have been his brother Jack.

 

[DHH]

Today I learned…

I always thought “jock strap“ came from the American slang for athlete, “jock.” Turns out, it’s the other way around! Thanks!

 

[bobcat]

For some reason it reminded me of this SNL skit.