"football" and "soccer" -- a brief screed

[irvine]

Stop me if you've heard this before, but I get a little perplexed at those Englishmen (and certain Americans) who froth whenever someone uses the word "soccer," claiming it's only Americans who do so, they're ignernt, etc. The fact is that "soccer" is an English coinage, and until recently was in fairly common usage there. I bring this up because I'm reading Robert Graves' _Goodbye to All That_, and in the first few pages he talks about how he broke his nose "while foolishly playing Rugger with soccer players."

Anyway, that's one particular high horse I wish people would get off.

[usscouse]

Originally posted by irvine
Stop me if you've heard this before, but I get a little perplexed at those Englishmen (and certain Americans) who froth whenever someone uses the word "soccer," claiming it's only Americans who do so, they're ignernt, etc. The fact is that "soccer" is an English coinage, and until recently was in fairly common usage there. I bring this up because I'm reading Robert Graves' _Goodbye to All That_, and in the first few pages he talks about how he broke his nose "while foolishly playing Rugger with soccer players."

Anyway, that's one particular high horse I wish people would get off.

Bugger off...! :)

This stupid thread has been permeating these boards all summer. Give it up and go away. Or find something original to post, please…!!!


You are who you pretend to be.
Kurt Vonegut Jnr.

[Don Homer]

Here's a page I think strikes the right balance in this debate. Good old Auntie...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/02/99/e-cyclopedia/2050053.stm

[irvine]

That's why I said "Stop me if you've heard this before," man. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Something original to post? Are people quoting Robert Graves every day around here?

Originally posted by usscouse


This stupid thread has been permeating these boards all summer. Give it up and go away. Or find something original to post, please?!!!