As time progresses and cultures change, the meanings of words transform with them. The origins of current words and their meanings is a complicated and evolutionary process, but one that is esteemed in the history of the culture in which it came. All words, significant or otherwise, have taken centuries if not millennials to attain the meaning that they have in the present day.
Where did the term ‘Jock’ come from?
Take the simple word ‘jock’ for example. This four letter word has more than a century of known history, and has changed gradually to express the definition it has today. And it had, not so, humble beginnings.
Before the mid- 1850’s the term ‘jock’ was used to refer to the male genitalia.
It was this reason why the inventor of the Jockstrap in 1874, C. F. Bennett of the sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith, gave the infamous equipment it’s name. The main purpose of the Jockstrap was, and still is today, to protect the ‘jock’ in a strap or pouch, worn like underwear. This invention was so successful for both protection and recovery from sporting injuries, that it was widely adopted by the sporting community and is still as popular today as it was 150 years ago.
From this popularity and success, the term ‘Jock’ soon became synonymous with the word ‘athlete’ in the 1960’s, and this definition still holds true today.
However, recent American popular and college culture has added to this definition by cultivating the ‘stereotypical jock’. Most people agree today, and according to urban dictionary, that there is a definite difference between just being an athlete and a jock. To be a stereotypical jock you tend to be a masculine, muscular athlete, who takes pride in their physical appearance and who is often portrayed or thought to be dim- witted. This ‘clique’ in high school and college life usually surround themselves with similar groups, such as cheerleaders or other cliques that are deemed as ‘popular’ and according to every high school movie or tv show, love varsity jackets.
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In this sense, the term ‘Jock’ could be used to describe a more muscular athlete, rather than an everyday athlete.
FUN FACT: The word Jock in Ireland could refer to ‘a small country boy.’
It’s exciting to think what the words we use today will mean in the distant future and what new ones we will invent in a rapidly changing society.
If you know or have read anymore interesting facts about the origin of ‘Jocks’, we would love to hear about it. Head over to our friendly community- based forum and tell us all about it.
