How Do You Spell ARAB STRAP?

Pronunciation: [ˈaɹəb stɹˈap] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "arab strap" can be confusing, as it may seem to be misspelled. However, it is actually spell correctly based on its origins. The "arab" part of the word refers to the material used for the strap, which was originally camel leather. The "a" in "arab" is pronounced as a short "a", represented by the IPA symbol /æ/. The second part, "strap", is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /eɪ/. Together, the phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈæræb strep/.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ARAB STRAP Meaning and Definition

  1. Arab strap refers to a noun that originally derived from British slang and later became a part of the English lexicon. It mainly encompasses two distinct definitions.

    The first definition of "arab strap" refers to a type of leather strap or harness that is commonly used in horse-drawn carriages. This strap is generally fastened around the belly of a horse to secure it to the carriage, enabling the animal to maneuver and pull the carriage efficiently.

    However, the term "arab strap" also holds a more colloquial and modern meaning, steeped in sexual connotation. In this context, it signifies a slang term primarily used in British English to describe a type of male genital restraint or sexual device. It is usually made of leather or other similar materials and is designed to confine or restrict a man's genitals during sexual activities, enhancing pleasure or prolonging sexual encounters.

    This second definition gained popular usage due to its inclusion in the title of a Scottish indie rock band "Arab Strap," formed in the mid-90s. The band's lyrics were often characterized by explicit and gritty descriptions of sexual encounters, which further cemented the term's association with sexual connotations.

    It is essential to note that the second definition of "arab strap" is less commonly known and used, overshadowed by the primary definition associated with horse-drawn carriages.

Etymology of ARAB STRAP

The term "arab strap" has an interesting etymology. It originates from Scottish slang and specifically references a leather harness used on horse-drawn carts in the 19th century. The strap was known as the "arab strap" because it was commonly used by Arab drivers in the Middle East.

However, the term gained a different meaning in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom due to a song titled "Arab Strap" by the popular indie band of the same name. Their song explored themes of sexual relationships, and eventually, the term "arab strap" became a euphemism for a penis strap or a male sexual aid.

Therefore, the current usage of "arab strap" in popular culture is derived from the song and its sexual connotations, rather than its original meaning related to horse-drawn carts.