jockstrap

A jockstrap is a kind of underwear made to support and protect the genitals during sports or other strong physical activity. It usually has an elastic waistband, a front pouch, and two straps that go around or under the buttocks. Some versions are made to hold a protective cup, which helps guard the groin in sports like baseball, hockey, football, or martial arts.

The word is mainly used in this literal sense. In some contexts, especially in jokes or informal speech, it can carry a rough or mocking tone because of its strong link with sports culture and locker-room talk.

The jockstrap began in the late 19th century as practical support wear for men doing rough physical work and sports. It is commonly linked to bicycle riders and messengers on uneven city streets, and the name is often traced to that history. The basic design is simple but distinctive: an elastic waistband, a front pouch that supports the genitals, and two rear straps that help keep everything in place. In many sports, the pouch can also hold a hard protective cup to reduce the risk of injury to the groin.

For a long time, it was standard equipment in sports such as baseball, football, hockey, and boxing. Today, some people still use it, while others prefer compression shorts or other modern support gear. The word is still understood first as the name of this garment, but it can also appear in cultural or humorous contexts because it is strongly tied to masculinity, athletics, and locker-room life. In those cases, the tone may be playful, crude, or insulting, depending on how it is used. Still, its main meaning remains the piece of supportive athletic underwear itself.