The distinction between “soccer” and “football” has its roots in the development and nomenclature of the game in the 19th century.

Historical Background

The sport we now know as soccer originated in England, where it was initially called “association football” to differentiate it from other forms of football being played at the time, such as rugby football. The term “association” was a reference to the Football Association, which was the governing body that codified the rules of the game in 1863.

Linguistic Evolution

The term “soccer” comes from an abbreviation of “association football.” In the late 19th century, it was common in British English to add “-er” to abbreviations (e.g., “rugger” for rugby). So “association football” became “assoc football,” which was then shortened to “soccer.”

Spread to the United States

When the sport crossed the Atlantic to the United States, it retained the term “soccer” to distinguish it from American football, a different sport altogether. While “football” in America refers to what is known elsewhere as “American football,” “soccer” was adopted to avoid confusion between the two sports.

Persistence and Change

In Britain, the use of “soccer” gradually declined in favor of “football,” especially after the mid-20th century, as the sport became more popular and other forms of football waned. However, in the U.S., “soccer” has remained the preferred term due to the longstanding dominance of American football.

In Other Countries

In other countries where different types of football exist, “soccer” and “football” might both be used, but the context usually clarifies which sport is meant.

So, the American use of “soccer” is a linguistic relic of the sport’s early history, while the rest of the world largely settled on “football” as the sport’s popularity grew globally.

It’s fascinating how words evolve and adapt, isn’t it? Do you have a favorite sport or any other intriguing linguistic quirks you’d like to explore?