Strapping baby boy

Posted by Henry on September 24, 2004

In Reply to: Strapping baby boy posted by Michael on September 24, 2004

: Can someone possibly give me the origin of the expression "strapping baby " as in "He was a strapping baby boy". Thanx.

It's apparently from the verb strap, to secure with a strap. Its meaning has been extended somehow from safe and secure to big and sturdy. The use is not confined to babies; it can be applied to boys, girls and adults.