The term "lollipop lady" refers to a crossing guard who helps children safely cross the street. The spelling of this word is based on the UK terminology, where a circular sign held by the crossing guard looks like a lollipop. The phonetic transcription for this word is ˈlɒlɪpɒp ˈleɪdi, which shows the distinct pronunciation of each syllable. The first two syllables of "lollipop" are pronounced with the "oh" sound, while "lady" is pronounced with a long "a" sound.
Lollipop lady is a term primarily used in British English to refer to a person, typically a woman, who is employed by local authorities to assist school children in crossing the road safely. Also known as a school crossing patrol, the lollipop lady plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children during their journey to and from school.
The term "lollipop" derives from the lollipop-shaped sign held by the individual, which features the word "STOP" on one side and "SCHOOL" on the other. Equipped with this sign, the lollipop lady uses it to manage traffic flow, indicating when vehicles should stop to allow pedestrians, usually children, to cross the road. They are typically stationed at designated road crossings near schools during peak student commuting times, such as the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
In addition to holding up the lollipop sign, these individuals often wear distinctive high-visibility clothing, featuring bright colors and reflective materials, to enhance their visibility to motorists. Their role also extends beyond simply facilitating road crossing, as they frequently offer guidance and advice to children regarding road safety, reinforcing the importance of waiting for assistance and observing traffic rules.
The presence of a lollipop lady provides reassurance to both children and parents, offering a valuable service that promotes pedestrian safety and helps prevent accidents near schools.
The term "lollipop lady" originated in Britain and refers to a female crossing guard or school crossing patrol officer who assists children in safely crossing the road. The term "lollipop" in this context comes from the shape of the handheld stop sign that these officers use, which resembles a round lollipop. The use of a distinctive stop sign helps drivers easily notice and obey the traffic control measures put in place. The word "lollipop" itself has its origins in the late 18th century, stemming from the northern English dialect meaning "tongue" or "to lick". The connection between the shape of the stop sign and the term "lollipop" likely led to the creation of the phrase "lollipop lady" to describe these female crossing guards.