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!