The term 'soccer' in the US is a fascinating linguistic quirk that has sparked debates and sparked curiosity. It's a story that intertwines sports history, language evolution, and cultural nuances. So, why is football called 'soccer' in the US? Let's delve into this intriguing tale.
A Sport of the Elite
In the mid-19th century, football was a sport of the elite. The people who founded the Football Association in England in 1863 were Oxford graduates who had attended elite public schools. The game played under Football Association rules became known as 'association football' to distinguish it from rugby. This term 'association football' was a mouthful, and among wealthy university students, there was a habit of shortening words and adding '-er' to the end, creating a kind of slang. Thus, 'association' became 'assoc' and eventually 'soccer'.
The Rise of 'Soccer'
Sports historian Andy Mitchell has pointed to 'soccer' or 'socker' appearing in school magazines in late 1885 in different parts of England. The term 'soccer' was already being used verbally and had appeared in print earlier that year. Over time, the 'socker' variant fell out of use, while 'soccer' remained. The word began traveling to other continents at the same time the sport itself was spreading, and soccer is now often used in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.
American Football's Influence
In the United States, 'football' refers to American football. The American version evolved from rugby but also has elements of soccer. The popularity of American football around the same time the word 'soccer' was coined in the 1880s and 1890s further solidified the term's usage in the US. While British newspapers preferred 'football', they continued using 'soccer' well into the 1980s.
Cultural Sensitivities
The term 'soccer' in the US can be a sensitive topic. Americans often apologize when they use 'soccer' and say, 'Sorry, I meant football,' because they think the British are sensitive about it. However, Stefan Szymanski, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, says it's an English word and encourages Americans to use it freely. He believes the debate around 'football' versus 'soccer' is a strange one, as the term 'soccer' was perfectly acceptable in England in the 1960s and 1970s.
Conclusion
The term 'soccer' in the US is a linguistic remnant of a bygone era, a testament to the sport's rich history and the evolution of language. It's a fascinating story that highlights the interconnectedness of sports, culture, and language. So, the next time you hear 'soccer' in the US, remember the intriguing history behind it and appreciate the unique linguistic quirk that has shaped the way Americans refer to the beautiful game.
