Why Is It Called Soccer The History Origins Explained

The word “soccer” sparks strong reactions around the world. In the United States, Canada, and a few other countries, it’s the default term for the world’s most popular sport. Elsewhere—especially in the UK and most Commonwealth nations—it’s often dismissed as an Americanism, despite its British roots. So why is it called soccer? The answer lies in 19th-century England, linguistic evolution, and cultural identity. This article traces the surprising origin of the word, debunks common myths, and explains how a British slang term became a transatlantic point of contention.

The British Origins of \"Soccer\"

The term “soccer” did not originate in the United States. It began in late 19th-century England as university slang. During this period, many sports at English public schools and universities were formalized under new codes. Rugby football and association football emerged as distinct games, each governed by different rules. To differentiate between them, students used abbreviated forms based on the suffix \"-er,\" a common practice in Oxford University jargon at the time.

\"Association football\" was shortened to “assoccer,” which quickly morphed into “soccer.” Similarly, “rugger” became the nickname for rugby football. These weren’t official terms but informal shorthand used among students and athletes. The Football Association (FA), founded in 1863, gave the sport its full name, and “soccer” naturally followed as a colloquial contraction.

“Soccer is as British as fish and chips. It’s an irony that Americans now own the term while Brits reject it.” — Dr. Matthew Taylor, Professor of Sports History, De Montfort University

A Timeline of the Word \"Soccer\"

The journey of the word “soccer” reflects broader shifts in language, culture, and national identity. Here's a chronological breakdown of key moments:

1. 1863: The Football Association is formed in England, standardizing the rules of \"association football.\"
2. 1880s: Students at elite British universities begin using “soccer” as slang to distinguish association football from “rugger” (rugby).
3. Early 1900s: The term appears in print in British newspapers and academic journals, though still considered informal.
4. 1940s–1970s: “Soccer” remains in common use across Britain, including in broadcasting and journalism.
5. 1980s: As football becomes more commercialized and culturally central in the UK, “football” dominates public discourse. “Soccer” begins to sound outdated or overly technical.
6. 1990s–Present: In the U.S., “soccer” becomes entrenched as the standard term to avoid confusion with American football. Meanwhile, in Britain, the word is increasingly associated with American usage, leading to deliberate avoidance.

Tip: The word “soccer” isn’t inherently American—it’s a relic of British linguistic tradition that survived longer in North America.

Why the U.S. Uses \"Soccer\" Instead of \"Football\"

In the United States, the term “football” already referred to a different sport: American football, which evolved from rugby and college gridiron games in the late 19th century. As association football gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly among immigrant communities, a distinction was necessary.

Calling the sport “football” would have caused widespread confusion. Thus, “soccer” provided a clear, unambiguous alternative. It was already present in British English, so adopting it required no invention—just preservation. Over time, “soccer” became the standard in American English, used in schools, media, and professional leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS).

This divergence highlights how language adapts to local context. In countries where “football” refers exclusively to association football, there’s no need for an alternative. But in multilingual or multi-sport environments, precision matters.

Global Usage: Where Is It Called Soccer?

Despite the stereotype that only Americans say “soccer,” the term is used in several English-speaking countries, especially where another form of football dominates. A closer look reveals a nuanced picture:

Country	Primary Term	Notes
United States	Soccer	To distinguish from American football.
Canada	Soccer	Also avoids confusion with Canadian football.
Australia	Soccer	Historically used; now shifting toward “football” due to rebranding efforts (e.g., “Football Australia”).
South Africa	Soccer	Widely used, especially in media and everyday speech.
United Kingdom	Football	“Soccer” was common until the 1980s; now seen as old-fashioned or American-influenced.
New Zealand	Soccer	Used officially until 2007; renamed “New Zealand Football,” but “soccer” persists colloquially.

The shift in some countries—from “soccer” to “football”—often coincides with efforts to align with global branding, such as FIFA’s influence and the desire to emphasize the sport’s international unity.

Myths and Misconceptions About the Word \"Soccer\"

Several myths persist about the origin of “soccer,” often fueled by national pride or linguistic purism:

• Myth: “Soccer” is an American invention. False. It originated in England as Oxford slang.
• Myth: The British never used “soccer.” Incorrect. It was widely used in the UK well into the late 20th century.
• Myth: Using “soccer” shows ignorance of the sport. Untrue. The term has deep historical roots and remains valid in linguistics.
• Myth: FIFA opposes the word “soccer.” No. While FIFA uses “football,” it does not ban “soccer” and recognizes its legitimacy in certain regions.

Linguists emphasize that language evolves through use, not decree. Words aren’t “correct” or “incorrect” based on geography alone—context and clarity matter most.

Case Study: Australia’s Transition from Soccer to Football

In 2005, Australia made a deliberate move to rebrand its national sport. The governing body, previously known as the “Australian Soccer Federation,” became “Football Federation Australia.” The change aimed to reflect the global terminology and strengthen ties with FIFA and Asian football confederations.

The transition wasn’t immediate. Many fans, journalists, and even players continued using “soccer” out of habit. Radio hosts received complaints when switching terms. Yet over time, “football” gained ground—especially after Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.

This case illustrates how political, cultural, and institutional forces can shape language. However, colloquial usage lags behind official changes. Even today, Australians might say “I’m watching the soccer game” while referring to the A-League or Socceroos.

Expert Insight on Language and Sport Identity

Sports terminology often reflects deeper cultural narratives. The rejection of “soccer” in the UK is less about linguistic accuracy and more about national ownership.

“The backlash against ‘soccer’ in Britain isn’t about correctness—it’s about distancing the sport from American influence and reaffirming cultural authenticity.” — Dr. Sarah Collins, Sociolinguist, University of Edinburgh

This sentiment underscores how words become symbols. For some, saying “football” is an act of loyalty to the game’s heritage. For others, “soccer” is simply practical and familiar.

FAQ

Is \"soccer\" a wrong way to say \"football\"?

No. “Soccer” is a legitimate English word with documented use since the 1880s. It’s regionally appropriate in countries where “football” refers to another sport.

Do any non-English-speaking countries use a version of \"soccer\"?

Not commonly. Most languages use localized versions of “football” (e.g., “fútbol” in Spanish, “fußball” in German). However, in contexts involving American influence—like international schools or expat communities—the English word “soccer” may be used for clarity.

Will \"soccer\" ever disappear?

Unlikely in North America and parts of Africa and Oceania. Language change is slow, and “soccer” fills a functional role where ambiguity exists. Globalization may encourage convergence, but local usage tends to persist.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Terminology

Tip: When traveling or communicating internationally, match the terminology to your audience. Use “football” in Europe, “soccer” in the U.S., and stay neutral by saying “the game” when in doubt.

• Use “football” when engaging with fans from the UK, Europe, Latin America, or Africa.
• Use “soccer” in American, Canadian, or South African contexts unless someone indicates otherwise.
• Avoid correcting others’ word choice—focus on shared passion for the sport instead.
• In writing, consider your audience: a U.S.-based blog should use “soccer”; an international report might prefer “football.”

Conclusion

The story of “soccer” is a reminder that language is fluid, shaped by history, necessity, and identity. Far from being an American corruption, the word is a product of British academic slang that found new life abroad. Whether you call it soccer or football, the game remains the same—a global phenomenon that unites millions across cultures.

💬 What do you call the sport—and why? Share your thoughts and experiences in the discussion. Understanding our differences helps us appreciate the game even more.