sissy bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, technical (motorcycling)
Quick answer
What does “sissy bar” mean?
A curved metal bar at the rear of a motorcycle or bicycle seat, providing back support for a passenger or rider.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A curved metal bar at the rear of a motorcycle or bicycle seat, providing back support for a passenger or rider.
Primarily associated with cruiser-style and chopper motorcycles, often ornately designed. It prevents a passenger from sliding backwards under acceleration and can serve as a mounting point for luggage or custom lights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood but less common in British English, where 'backrest' or 'passenger backrest' may be preferred in technical contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly evokes the custom motorcycle (chopper) culture of the 1960s-70s. In British English, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English, particularly in regions with a strong motorcycle culture.
Grammar
How to Use “sissy bar” in a Sentence
The MOTORCYCLE has a [ADJ] sissy bar.She HELD ONTO the sissy bar.They MOUNTED a luggage rack TO the sissy bar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sissy bar” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- The bike had a sissy-bar attachment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or cultural studies of transportation or subcultures.
Everyday
Used among motorcycle enthusiasts; otherwise uncommon.
Technical
Standard term in motorcycle customization and parts catalogs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sissy bar”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sissy bar”
- Using 'sissy bar' to refer to a handlebar. Confusing it with a 'roll bar' in a car.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun.
- Using it in non-vehicular contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term originated in mid-20th century American biker culture. 'Sissy' implied that a rider who needed such support was not tough enough, though its practical utility made it popular regardless.
Primarily, yes, but solo riders on choppers or customs may also use a tall sissy bar for back support and as a stylistic element.
No, they are an optional accessory, not a mandatory safety feature like lights or brakes.
Yes, many riders add luggage racks, straps, or bags specifically designed to mount to a sissy bar.
A curved metal bar at the rear of a motorcycle or bicycle seat, providing back support for a passenger or rider.
Sissy bar is usually informal, technical (motorcycling) in register.
Sissy bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪsi ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪsi ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'sissy' needing extra support to stay on a powerful motorcycle.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS SAFETY (for a passenger); A GENDERED TERM FOR A FUNCTIONAL OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sissy bar' most appropriately used?