Kickoff Meaning and Definition
Kickoff
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪkoʊf/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A kickoff is the event or procedure by which a sports game begins, typically involving the opposing team kicking the ball to the other team.
Examples
1. “The quarterback called the signal for the kickoff to start the game.”
2. “The fans cheered as the referee signaled the kickoff to kick off the final quarter.”
Synonyms
1. Start
2. Commencement
Antonyms
1. Finish
2. End
Additional Information
The term “kickoff” is widely used in sports, particularly in American football, rugby, and soccer, to signify the beginning of a game or period. In these sports, the kickoff is often a high-energy event that involves speed and aggression, with the opposing teams competing for possession of the ball. Kickoffs can be accompanied by various rituals and traditions, such as pre-game ceremonies and coin tosses, which help to create an electric atmosphere and excite the spectators.
Kickoffs have become an integral part of the sports culture, with fans and players alike eagerly anticipating this pivotal moment. In some cases, kickoffs can be a deciding factor in the outcome of a game, as a successful kickoff can give the team a crucial advantage in terms of field position and momentum.
Outside of sports, the term “kickoff” can be used metaphorically to describe the start of a new project or initiative, emphasizing the energy and momentum required to launch a successful venture.
Etymology
The word “kickoff” is derived from the verb “kick,” meaning to strike with the foot, and the noun “off,” indicating the start or beginning of something. In the context of sports, the term “kickoff” originated in the late 19th century, when American football and rugby began to gain popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Usage Notes
When using the term “kickoff” in different contexts, it’s essential to consider the tone and formality of the situation. In sports, “kickoff” is used in an energetic and exciting tone, while in more formal or business settings, it can be used in a more neutral or professional tone.
It’s also worth noting that the term “kickoff” can be used in various hyphenated forms, such as “kick-off” or “kick-off,” although the former is more commonly used in American English.
Cultural References
Kickoffs have been featured prominently in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and music. For example, the movie “Remember the Titans” (2000) features a dramatic kickoff scene that highlights the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
In music, kickoffs have been referenced in songs by artists such as Queen and the Rolling Stones, often symbolizing the high-energy and excitement of sports events.
Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions that include the word “kickoff” often emphasize the significance of a new beginning or a fresh start. For example, “kickoff a new project” or “kickoff a new initiative” suggest the energy and momentum required to launch a successful venture.
Collocations
Common collocations with “kickoff” include:
1. Kickoff and kickoff ceremony: A collocation that emphasizes the significance of the kickoff event.
2. Kickoff and kickoff meeting: A collocation that highlights the importance of the meeting in the kickoff process.
Frequency of Use
The word “kickoff” is commonly used in sports-related contexts, particularly in American football, rugby, and soccer. It is also used in business and project management contexts to describe the start of a new initiative or project.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), “kickoff” has a relatively high frequency of use, with an average annual frequency of 123.33 per million words.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings and variations of the word “kickoff” include:
1. Kickoff (commonly accepted spelling)
2. Kick-off (commonly used in British English)
3. Kickoffe (rare misspelling)