Meaning
The leather strap or belt used to give a beating as punishment — a classic instrument of old-time Jamaican discipline in the home and school. To 'get di strap' or 'feel di strap' meant a whipping for serious misbehaviour. It stands, with the tamarind switch and supple-jack, for the strict corporal discipline of earlier generations.
Examples
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Behave, or yuh a go feel di strap.
Behave, or you'll feel the strap.
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Daddy tek off him belt fi use as strap.
Dad took off his belt to use as a strap.
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Long time di strap did rule di house.
Long ago the strap ruled the house.
Origin
From 'strap' (leather belt/strap); an instrument of corporal punishment. See Tamarind switch, Ruler-lick.
How it’s used
A leather strap/belt used for beatings as discipline. See Tamarind switch, Supple-jack, Ruler-lick.