The term "lollipop woman" is commonly used to describe a female pedestrian crossing supervisor in the UK. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription, where "lollipop" is pronounced /ˈlɒlipɒp/ with stress on the first syllable and "woman" is pronounced /ˈwʊmən/. The word "lollipop" likely comes from the shape of the stop sign used by these supervisors, which resembles a lollipop. The word "woman" is pronounced with a short "u" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable.
A "lollipop woman" refers to a female crossing guard who aids and supervises pedestrians, particularly children, to safely cross roads near schools or designated crossing points. This term is primarily used in British English and is often synonymous with "school crossing supervisor" or "crossing patroller" in other regions.
The role of a lollipop woman involves ensuring the safety of children and other pedestrians as they navigate busy roads. Equipped with a "lollipop" sign, resembling a giant lollipop, they stand at designated crossing areas, such as zebra crossings, and utilize their signature prop by extending it into the path of oncoming vehicles to halt their movement. This action signals pedestrians to proceed safely across the road.
In addition to controlling traffic flow, lollipop women also act as a visible presence to remind drivers to slow down and be cautious. They may provide verbal instructions or use hand gestures to guide pedestrians during the crossing process. Their main priority is to maintain the safety and welfare of vulnerable road users, particularly children, by preventing accidents and collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.
Lollipop women play a vital role in traffic management, supporting the development of a safe and secure community, especially around educational institutions. Their presence ensures that individuals, especially youngsters, can access their schools or other destinations with minimal risk while cultivating good road safety habits in children from an early age.
The word "lollipop woman" is a term used primarily in the United Kingdom and Ireland to refer to a female school crossing guard. The etymology of the term is related to the visual resemblance of the school crossing guard's Stop/Slow sign to a traditional round lollipop candy on a stick, which is why they are referred to as "lollipop women". The term likely emerged as a playful and descriptive way to identify these individuals in their distinctive high-visibility clothing while holding a large circular sign. It has become a widely recognized term in these regions.