In the world of sports, the terminology used to refer to soccer can be quite varied and often confuses many fans. The sport, known universally as “football” or “association football,” is referred to as “soccer” in certain regions. Here’s a closer look at who calls it soccer and why.
Origin of the Term “Soccer”
The term “soccer” actually originates from England, the birthplace of modern football. It is derived from the term “association football,” which differentiates it from other forms of football like rugby football. In the late 19th century, students at the University of Oxford started using the term “soccer” – a slang term derived from the word “association.” It was used alongside another form of football known as “rugger” (rugby football).
Countries That Call It Soccer
Countries that generally use the term “soccer” include:
- United States: In the U.S., “football” is used to refer to American football, so “soccer” is used to avoid confusion.
- Canada: Both American football and Canadian football have a strong presence, so “soccer” is used to distinguish between them.
- Australia: With several popular football codes, including Australian rules football and rugby, “soccer” is used for clarity.
- New Zealand: Similar to Australia, “soccer” helps separate it from rugby and other variations of football.
- South Africa: With a variety of sports such as rugby and cricket widely played, “soccer” helps distinguish the sport.
Why “Soccer” and Not “Football”?
The choice to use “soccer” instead of “football” in these countries largely boils down to linguistic convenience and historical context:
- American Football: In the U.S., American football is immensely popular and well-established. To avoid any ambiguity, “soccer” has become the standard term.
- Diverse Football Codes: In countries like Australia and New Zealand, where multiple forms of football are popular, “soccer” is used to clearly specify association football.
- Colonial Influence: In South Africa, the colonial past has influenced the terminology in sports, leading to the adoption of “soccer.”
Global Perspective
Internationally, “football” remains the most commonly used term for the sport. Institutions like FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) use “football” in their official language. However, in the global discourse, especially in commercial contexts, there’s an understanding that “soccer” and “football” can often be used interchangeably, depending on the audience.
Conclusion
The term “soccer” is used primarily in countries where other forms of football are dominant. The distinction helps in avoiding confusion and ensures clarity. While “football” is the more widely used term globally, the use of “soccer” continues in certain English-speaking nations due to historical, cultural, and practical reasons. Understanding these nuances enriches our appreciation of how language and culture impact the world of sports.