Soccer: A Cultural Debate
The term “soccer” has become a focal point in a nuanced cultural debate, highlighting a transatlantic disagreement primarily about language. This distinction is predominantly drawn by Americans, who differentiate it from the traditional “football” associated with rugby. However, this innocuous linguistic difference has sparked strong reactions, particularly in England.
Reactions in England
In England, using “soccer” can elicit outrage from some who believe it undermines the identity of the sport itself. These reactions often reflect a deeper sentiment about preserving cultural authenticity in sports. The divide is illustrated through merchandise available on platforms like Etsy, where on one side, shirts proclaim “It’s football, not soccer,” while the other side champions “It’s called soccer” embellished with patriotic imagery.
As noted by Stefan Szymanski and Silke-Maria Weineck in their book, It’s Football, Not Soccer (And Vice Versa), many trivial language differences – think of words like “sweater” versus “jumper” or “trucks” as opposed to “lorries” – do not ignite similar ire.
The Origins of the Term “Soccer”
The origins of “soccer” trace back to 19th century England, when two forms of football were popular: rugby football and association football. To avoid confusion, the latter was commonly shortened to “soccer.” This term was derived from a playful linguistic trend among English public school students, where adding an -er to words was common.
A notable figure in this evolution was Charles Wreford-Brown, an early football enthusiast who allegedly coined the term during breakfast at Oxford’s Oriel College when he humorously responded,
“No, thank you, I’m going to play ‘soccer.'”
Documented Use and Cultural Context
While Wreford-Brown’s contribution is often romanticized, the term began circulating more informally, first appearing in a written form in a 1885 letter in *The Oldhallian*, an Oxford alumni publication. It was referenced by the Manchester Guardian and The Times by the early 20th century, marking its growing acceptance.
As football’s popularity surged among the working class, the terminology evolved, with “football” becoming more dominant by the 1980s, even as “soccer” remained in use.
Soccer in the United States
In the United States, the journey of “soccer” reflects America’s own relationship with football, which has historically denoted a different sport featuring an oval ball. Early mentions of the term in American media included a humorous 1905 piece in the *New York Times*, featuring the headline “English socker team won a football match,” prompting readers to voice grievances over the term.
A notable correspondent, Frances H. Tabor, critiqued its aesthetics while reinforcing the lineage of the term from English public schools.
Modern Acceptance and the Future
Although “soccer” initially faced competition from the title “football,” by 1974 it officially became known as the United States Soccer Federation. This transition reflected a search for a distinct sports identity in a nation dominated by American football.
Today, “soccer” is widely accepted and continues to be utilized by fans globally, though it still stirs up debates. This highlights the fine line between linguistic preference and cultural identity as sports evolve across generations. In the end, both sides may agree to share the love for the game regardless of the terminology used.
