Why Americans Refer to Football as Soccer

In the midst of the 2022 World Cup, the ongoing debate between football and soccer terminologies has resurfaced. While the majority of the world uses the term “football” to refer to the sport, Americans, along with Canadians, South Africans, Australians, and the Irish, prefer the term “soccer.” Despite the disagreement, it is essential to understand the origins of this linguistic discrepancy.

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A British Origin

Contrary to popular belief, the term “soccer” did not originate in the United States. It emerged in Great Britain, like the sport itself. In the late 19th century, British university students playfully nicknamed “association football” as “soccer,” inspired by the second syllable of the formal name. Although the British phased out this nickname over time, Americans embraced it and continued to use it.

Anti-Americanism and the Decline of “Soccer”

According to Professor Stefan Szymanski, a sport management expert at the University of Michigan, the decline of the term “soccer” in England may be attributed to “anti-Americanism.” As awareness grew that Americans referred to the sport as soccer, it became an “exile word” in British English. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that “soccer” was commonly used in the United Kingdom until the latter half of the 20th century, as exemplified by the title of legendary Manchester United coach Matt Busby’s 1973 autobiography, “Soccer at the Top: My Life in Football.”

The Rise of American Football

While football and rugby football were taking shape in the UK, another variant of football emerged in North America—gridiron football. This sport combined elements from both football and rugby and eventually became dominant in the United States. Over time, it evolved into what Americans now simply refer to as “football.” The inclusion of an oval-shaped ball and breaks between tackles differentiated it from association football. Therefore, to avoid confusion, Americans continued to use the term “soccer” for the sport that the rest of the world labeled as football.

The Influence of the Hispanic Population

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In recent years, the Hispanic population in the United States has grown significantly. As a result, a larger number of Americans are familiar with the sport as “futbol,” the Spanish word for football. This term is gaining popularity among non-Spanish speakers as well. However, efforts to rebrand “soccer” have yet to make a substantial impact in shifting its usage.

Conclusion

The football versus soccer debate is often regarded as trivial. In countries where multiple versions of football exist, using the term “soccer” is the most logical choice to avoid confusion. Professor Szymanski emphasizes the significance of clear communication when it comes to language. The term “soccer” has its roots in British English and has found a home in American culture. Ultimately, the ongoing linguistic variance reflects the diversity and cultural nuances of the beautiful game worldwide.

FAQs

Q: Why do Americans call football “soccer”?
A: The term “soccer” originated in Great Britain, and although the British ceased using it, Americans continued to embrace it.

Q: Is the term “soccer” commonly used in countries other than the United States?
A: Yes, countries such as Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Ireland also refer to football as “soccer.”

Q: What is the Spanish word for football?
A: The Spanish word for football is “futbol,” which is gaining popularity among Americans, including non-Spanish speakers.

Q: Why is there a divide between the terms “football” and “soccer”?
A: The divide exists due to the evolution of different variations of football in different regions, leading to the need for distinct terminology.

Q: Is there a chance that Americans will shift to using “football” instead of “soccer”?
A: While the Hispanic population’s influence may lead to increased usage of “futbol,” it is unlikely that “soccer” will be replaced in American parlance.

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