An Elegant Noose:
The Enduring Mystery of Lanyards

For thousands of years, certain questions have gnawed at the collective consciousness of humanity. For example: Is that glass half full, or half empty? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? How come we park in a driveway, and drive on a parkway? And why is it that, no matter what line you find yourself in, it's always the slowest one? People of all walks of life have long searched for the answers to these questions, and none has bugged us more than this one:

Where the heck did the term "lanyard" come from, and what exactly defines a lanyard, anyway?

Well, okay, maybe not, but we've all run into the occasional lanyard, and we've all wondered. This guide to lanyards will finally unravel the mystery of the noose-type accessories that millions of people all over the world "willingly" wear around their necks. Join us, won't you?

First Things First. Where Did That Name Come From?

The Many Meanings of "Lanyard"

Neck Lanyards: What They Are, and Why You Should Care

A Brief History of Neck Lanyards; or, Before They Were Popular

Today's Lanyards: More Than Mere Whistle Holders

The Lanyard's Contribution to Modern Security

The Emergence of Printed Lanyards

Future Trends in Lanyard Evolution

Why You Should Wear a Lanyard

On to part one :: First Things First. Where Did That Name Come From?