What does the "G" in G-string stand for?
What does the "G" in G-string stand for?
Looks like this is another one of those pesky questions that doesn't have a definitive answer. Like the etymology of many common terms, the origin of G-string is rather shady. Indeed, our search results proved disappointingly skimpy. But after much research, we are able to hazard three educated guesses.
Theory One: It's short for "girdle string."
The first known reference to the item was found in J.H. Beadles' Western Wilds penned in 1878. "Around each boy's waist is the tight 'geestring,' from which a single strip of cloth runs between the limbs from front to back." Back in the day, a girdle pretty much fit the above description.
Theory Two: It's a reference to a fiddle.
Musically speaking, a G-string is the lowest, darkest string on a violin. The emphasis on this theory is on the word "low" -- low note, low-cut underwear.
Theory Three: It comes from a Native American word.
Many etymologists believe that it originated from the native word "geestringi." Apparently this was an item of clothing worn by some Plains Indians. The word was changed to the more English sounding "G-string."
So there you have it. Personally, we're leaning towards theory #3. For some more (thought) provoking material, try Googlism's G-string entry.
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
Lol, look it up under the history of underwear for women. G-string comes up. (panties, thongs and the infamous g-string).
Pamela :)
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
and what did it say Pamela?
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
In canada we call it a T-Bar! I have heard some call it a T-Back but we call it a T-Bar. :)
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
Butt floss, but i thought the t-back was a thong. Now i am confused! Lol.
I will hunt it up in my history.
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
pretty much-- being all stripping in Canada is full nude we dont use that micro g-string thingie - we go down to a T- bar and then off that baby goes and you are nekkid as the day you were born! LOL!
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
Guitar tuning do-hicky. LMAO.
Gosh.... General string sofware applications.
THis is so BLAH.....Where did it come from for our ass to take?
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
The "G" stands for its inventor, Prussian hoseiry pioneer Johan Claus Reinhard von Grandlestenbrugenberger.
PS. ;D
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
Some opinions from another board on Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand for?
I believe it stands for "genital", since the term is gender neutral.
This is what I have always understood.
I always thought they were named that for being shaped vaguely like a letter "g."
And now you've got me wondering about the "T" in T-back! (though I always thought this was due to the garment's resemblance to the letter T from the back).
I always though "T-Back" was short of "Thong-Back" (panties). I think night rider's post was great and may qualify for submission to the "Clueless" section. It never ceases to amaze me what one can learn here on RB
I thought it stood for "groin", and I've never understood how people think it looks like a "G" or a "g".
Hmm ... I was under the impression that, "G" in G-String stood for GOODTIMES. Pull the string, and you are in for a goodtime ... he he he.
Kidding aside, thanks for the post. It's interesting to read different perspectives about what "G" in G-String stands for.
could it stand for "gooch"
you know the area in between the asshole and the cooch.
The "G" in "G-string" stands for government, as in the minimum required coverage specified by various local codes in effect before all nude dancing became legal.
See similar usage in the term "G-man" which, more obviously, stands for "government man" and generically means just about any sort of law enforcement person but more particularly a federal agent.
Originally meant Native American garb. The word was initially (1878) geestring, and it referred to what amounted to a loincloth held up by a string and worn by certain Indians. Most etymologists think that geestringi was probably originally an Indian word, which was adopted in a form that was more familiar to English tongues. The term doesn't appear with reference to showgirl costumes until 1936, but it was likely in use in that sense for some time prior to that date. It was shortened to g-string, possibly by contamination from the notion of stringed instruments like guitars and violins, by 1891, at which time we find this interesting quotation in Harper's Magazine: "Some of the boys wore only 'G-strings' (as, for some reason, the breech-clout is commonly called on the prairie)." This suggests that the word may have been of Sioux or other Plains Indian origin.
I always believed it was from the musicians at burlesgue shows and backing strippers. The G string is actually the thinnest string on the violin and bass. EADG. The joke was that "that broad is wearing a damn string.....yeah, Brother....a G string"
Re: What does the "G" in G-string stand
It stands for "Golly, you're not wearing too many clothes, missy!"