A mind-blowing realization

I learned a while back that in British English "suspenders" are an item of lingerie (aka "garter belt") and not something to hold a man's pants up.

But it has taken me some time to realize that when the lumberjack in the Monty Python song puts on "high heels, suspenders, and a bra" the suspenders are not the only remaining item of male clothing, but part of the feminine ensemble.

🤯

[media=https://youtu.be/pfRdur8GLBM]

(In the video when he sings that bit he is still in fact wearing "suspenders" in the North American sense, making it all more confusing!)

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newjaninev2 · 56-60, F

I just noticed that I always refer to a 'suspender belt' rather than simply 'suspenders'.
I checked with some friends and they report the same usage, but perhaps that's an artefact of our particular social group.

ElwoodBlues · M

@newjaninev2 I use the phrase "belt and suspenders" to refer to a double level of safety or preparedness.

ThePatientAnarchist · 61-69

@ElwoodBlues That would be based on North American usage, yes? Using both a belt and suspenders to hold your pants [trousers] up is really making sure.

ThePatientAnarchist · 61-69

@newjaninev2 All these subtleties of language are so interesting!

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

I rather like the idea that the song can be interpreted differently despite the image on screen.

It illustrates the difference between several cultures who all share the same language.
Very clever

ArishMell · 70-79, M

Oh - and to add to that: in British English the outer garment is a pair of trousers or more often just "trousers", not pants - pants being short for underpants, the underwear!

newjaninev2 · 56-60, F

In British English (i.e. English) men's trousers are held up by braces.

Being overly cautious is described as taking a 'belt and braces' approach.

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