Answer
Seems this one is up for grabs (not literally!) Here are 3 theories and most bet on the last theory.
In 1878 many young boy's waist had a tight "Geestring" from which a single strip of cloth runs between the limbs from front to back.
- 1 GIRDLE STRING
Musically speaking, a G-string is the lowest, darkest string on a violin. The emphasis on the theory is on the word "low" - low note, low-cut underwear.
- 2 AN INSTRUMENT (FIDDLE)
- 3 FROM A NATIVE AMERICAN WORD
Many etymologists believe that it originated from the native word "geestringl." Apparently this was an item of clothing worn by some Plains Indians. The word was changed to the more English sounding "G-string."
The 3rd Theory makes sense. Some Native Indians wore "loin clothes" but most people don't realize there was also a "G-string" under that. Put it this way "take care of your jewels boys!" During the roaring 20's many fashions were copied from Indians, Spanish, and Egyptian. If you go back to the good old flapper days you will often see G-strings and oh yes ... the almighty "pasties."
What I find quite amuzing is the fact that everything in this modern age is so "cool" and "out there" and "new", yet most of it is just going back into time and therefore ... copycat style fashions arise.
First answer by
2010-07-25
WikiAnswers - Where did the term 'G-string' come from
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