How come Americans call it “soccer” while many around the world call it “football”? The answer lies in a fascinating journey through strange language and cultural evolution.
This article explores the origins of these terms, tracing their roots from 19th-century England to their global reach. It sheds light on how these names came to be and why they differ across regions today.
Soccer vs Football History
Ever wondered why Americans call it soccer while the rest of the world calls it football? Let’s dive into the quirky history behind these terms and see how they evolved.
Where “Soccer” Came From
Back in the 1880s, some clever students at the University of Oxford decided to have a bit of fun with words. They needed a way to tell apart “rugger” (rugby football) from “assoccer” (association football). Eventually, “assoccer” got trimmed down to “soccer” (Britannica). This was all because both rugby and association football were super popular at the time.
| Term | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby | England | Rugby Football |
| Assoccer | England | Association Football |
| Soccer | England | Shortened from Assoccer |
How Football Terminology Changed
In most of Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, “football” is the go-to term. But in the U.S. and Australia, “soccer” is used to avoid confusion with American and Australian football.
In the U.S., a new sport emerged in the late 19th century, blending elements of rugby and association football. This sport eventually became more popular than either rugby or association football.
So, in 1945, the United States Football Association rebranded itself as the United States Soccer Football Association, and later just dropped “Football” entirely, sticking with “soccer”.
In places like Canada, Ireland, and Australia, where multiple types of football exist, “soccer” helps clear up any mix-ups.
| Country/Region | Common Term | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Soccer | To avoid confusion with American Football |
| Canada | Soccer | To avoid confusion with Canadian Football |
| Australia | Soccer | To avoid confusion with Australian Rules Football |
| Europe | Football | It’s the main term used |
Want to know more about why these terms are different? Check out our articles on why is football called soccer? and why did England stop calling it soccer?.
Cultural Differences
Usage of “Football” Globally
Ever wondered why the same sport has different names around the world? In Europe, South America, most of Africa, and Asia, “football” is the go-to term for what some folks call soccer.
This isn’t just a random choice; it reflects the sport’s massive popularity and cultural importance in these regions. On the flip side, in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, “soccer” is the term of choice. This helps avoid mix-ups with other types of football like American football, Canadian football, and Australian rules football.
| Region | Common Term for the Sport |
|---|---|
| Europe | Football |
| South America | Football |
| Africa | Football |
| Asia | Football |
| United States | Soccer |
| Canada | Soccer |
| Australia | Soccer |
| South Africa | Soccer |
In places like Canada, Ireland, and Australia, where multiple football codes are popular, “soccer” is used to keep things clear. For instance, in Australia, where Australian rules football is a big deal, calling it “soccer” helps everyone know you’re talking about association football.
Impact of British Empire
The British Empire had a huge hand in spreading the term “football.” As the Empire grew, so did the sport and its lingo. In the UK, “football” usually means association football, which many outside the UK call soccer. This term spread to many places under British rule, making “football” a common name in lots of countries.
But in places where British influence mixed with local sports, “soccer” became more common. In the US and Australia, where American football and Australian rules football are big, “soccer” was adopted to avoid confusion.
For more on the history, check out our articles on why did England stop calling it soccer? and which countries say soccer?. These cultural and historical tidbits offer a cool look into why the sport has different names around the globe.
If you’re curious about the backstory of soccer and football, dive into topics like why is football called soccer? and which is correct soccer or football? for a deeper understanding.
