Origin of the term Jockstrap

The jockstrap was invented in 1874 by C. F. Bennett of a Chicago sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith, to provide comfort and support for bicycle jockeys working the cobblestone streets of Boston to keep in place the male genitalia.
From the period c .1650–c. 1850, ‘jock’ was used as slang for the male "member".
The word jockstrap has purportedly been in use at least since 1891, a likely contraction of “jockey strap”, as the garment was first designed for bicycle-riding messengers and deliverymen, or bike jockeys. The Bike Jockey Strap was the first jockstrap manufactured in America in 1874.

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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

A little bit more to this.

Horse Jockey Influence

Horse jockeys also influenced the term. The slang term "jock," meaning a male member, appeared as early as the mid-17th century, and it was commonly associated with skilled riders, including those in horse racing. The first uses of "jockey" referred to a rider, and by the time of the jockstrap's invention, this term had comfortably transitioned into colloquial language surrounding both horse and bicycle racing.

Conclusion

In summary, while the jockstrap was primarily designed for bicycle riders, the influence of horse jockeys and the broader historical context of the term "jock" certainly contributed to its evolution. Thus, the term reflects a rich tapestry of usage related to male athletes in various sports.

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