World Cup 2018 thread

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by Trollheart

So. Only 4 more years to go, huh? Let's get talking.
(Maybe by then Batty will actually know enough about footy* to be able to make some proper comments/trolls)

*Only Americans use the word soccer

The soccer 'hot potato' is an interesting topic of discussion.

It was southern English toffs who coined the phrase 'soccer' in the late 19th century to distinguish it from rugby football (or rugger as it is/was known). Soccer (association football) and rugger were the two codes of football. Use of the word soccer annoys some people, but it's hard to get wound up by it knowing it's origins.

It is a bit cringe however.

Another fact: we (Aston Villa) are the first team pictured on the Wikipedia page for soccer

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by Fluff

The soccer 'hot potato' is an interesting topic of discussion.

It was southern English toffs who coined the phrase 'soccer' in the late 19th century to distinguish it from rugby football (or rugger as it is/was known). Soccer (association football) and rugger were the two codes of football. Use of the word soccer annoys some people, but it's hard to get wound up by it knowing it's origins.

It is a bit cringe however.

Another fact: we (Aston Villa) are the first team pictured on the Wikipedia page for soccer

And Americans think it's cringe to call soccer "football". We take handegg very seriously.

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by The Batlord

And Americans think it's cringe to call soccer "football". We take handegg very seriously.

Calling it football is actually stupid though. Not even being cheeky or trying to annoy anyone. How often do you even kick the ball in AF?

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by Fluff

Calling it football is actually stupid though. Not even being cheeky or trying to annoy anyone. How often do you even kick the ball in AF?

Rugby football. Check and mate.

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by The Batlord

Rugby football. Check and mate.

It's not though because it's called rugby as shorthand. It developed from football when someone picked up the ball and ran with it hence rugby football. It we called it football then you would have a point. But we don't, so you don't.