A narrow strip of leather or other material used for fastening or as a whip. Also refers to a type of minimal undergarment or flip-flop sandal.
From Old English 'thwang' meaning 'narrow strip of leather', related to Old Norse 'þvengr'. The garment sense emerged in the 1930s, while the footwear meaning (especially in Australian English) developed in the mid-20th century.
The word 'thong' showcases how the same linguistic root can branch into completely different cultural meanings - from ancient leather strips used for binding, to modern fashion statements, to the beloved Australian term for flip-flops. It's a perfect example of how practical origins evolve into diverse contemporary uses.
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