A Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of British Football Club Nicknames

Authors

  • Luqman M. Rababah

    English and Literature Department, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan
  • Mahmoud Ali Rababah

    English and Literature Department, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
  • Maram Teimah Haddad

    English and Literature Department, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
  • Baker Bani-Khair

    English and Literature Department, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
  • Khalid Ali Rababah

    Basic Sciences Department, Visions Colleges, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Christian Wiradendi Wolor

    Department of Financial and Administrative, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Sateh Abdullah Al-Thunebat

    Department of Arabic language, Faculty of Arts, Jordan University, Amman, Jordan
  • Mahmud Kaddum

    Department of Translation Studies/Arabic, Bartın University, Bartın, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7495
Received: 13 October 2024 | Revised: 21 October 2024 | Accepted: 23 October 2024 | Published Online: 14 December 2024

Abstract

Nicknames are a byproduct of culture and are specific to the environment in which they are used and given. Onomasticology research has gained importance as linguists' interest in language and culture has grown. This study investigates the potential benefits and drawbacks of English football clubs’ (EFCs) nicknames as a communication tool. Specifically, it examines the nicknames of EFC players from the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two during the 2021–2022 season. The study sample includes all 92 EFCs in Britain, each of which has a nickname. These nicknames were categorized using a classification method and then compared. The analysis revealed statistically significant variations between the nicknames, with each conveying unique messages about language, society, or history while honoring the individuals associated with the term. The study highlights the importance of specific cultural elements in determining how EFCs acquire their nicknames. However, some nicknames tend to represent “culture-specific lexical concepts” that may be difficult for language learners to understand, especially those unfamiliar with English and British cultures. This exploration of nicknames aims to inspire further in-depth research at cross-cultural and intercultural levels to understand better how language reflects the significance of club nicknames.

Keywords:

Culture-Specific Lexical Concepts; English Football Clubs; Language and Culture; Nicknames; Onomastics

References

[1] Hatamleh, I.H.M., Safori, A.O., Habes, M., et al., 2023. Trust in Social Media: Enhancing Social Relationships. Social Sciences. 12(7), 416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12070416

[2] Hurych, E., Scholz, P., 2020. Czech football fans and some aspects of their declared and applied approaches. Journal of Physical Education and Sport. 20(6), 3377–3383. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.06457

[3] List of Football Club Nicknames in the United Kingdom. List of football club nicknames in the United Kingdom - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki.

[4] Britannica, (n.d.). Liverpool summary. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Liverpool-England

[5] Melhim, M.H.A., Al-Shurman, Y.M., Zainelabdin, F.A., et al., 2023. ISIS’ Miscontextualization of Ḥadīth through the Strategic Linguistic Propaganda: A Socio-Political Analysis. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization. 13(1), 90–102. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.131.07

[6] Abu-AlSondos, I.A., Salameh, A.A., Alkhwaldi, A.F., et al., 2023. Evaluating Mobile E-Learning Systems Acceptance: An Integrated Model. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies. 17(16), 112–133. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i16.42679

[7] Al Fawareh, A.J., Dakamsih, N.J., Alkouri, A.M., 2023. Ecocriticism in Modern English Literature. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 13(3), 783–788. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1303.28

[8] Al Smadi, T., Al Issa, H.A., Trad, E., et al., 2015. Artificial Intelligence for Speech Recognition Based on Neural Networks. Journal of Signal and Information Processing. 6(2), 66. Available from: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=55265&#abstract

[9] Alkhaldi, A.A., Rababah, M.A., Al-Saidat, E.M., et al., 2023. A lexical study of coffee shop signs in Jordan. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies. 12(1), 33–44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55493/5019.v12i1.4703

[10] Al-Rawashdeh, B.A., Issa, A.H.B., Rababah, M.A., 2024. Substitution in Arabic: Lisan Al-Arab Dictionary as a model. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 14(1), 116–124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1401.13

[11] Al-Saidat, E.M., Tawalbeh, A.I., Malkawi, N.A., et al., 2023. The Linguistic Implications of Facebook Nicknames for Jordanian Males and Females. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 13(10), 2457–2467. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1310.04

[12] Alwagfi, A.A., Aljawarneh, N.M., Alomari, K.A., 2020. Work Ethics and Social Responsibility: Actual and Aspiration. Journal of Management Research. 12(1), 26–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/jmr.v12i1.15698

[13] Rababa’h, S.Y., Alzoubi, K.H., Hammad, H.M., et al., 2019. Memory impairment induced by chronic psychosocial stress is prevented by L-carnitine. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 4341–4350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S225264

[14] Bardaweel, M.R., Rababah, L.M., 2021. Reasons of Using Arabizi among English Language Students in Jordan. Jadara Journal for Studies and Research. 7(1), 17–31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54161/jrs.v7i1.101

[15] Qudeisat, L., Rababah, L., 2021. A Sign is Worth a Thousand Words: Jordanian Shop Signs in Various Languages. Jadara Journal for Studies and Research. 7(1), 5–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54161/jrs.v7i1.100

[16] Rababah, M.A., Rababah, L.M., Abumelhim, M.H., et al., 2023. Interdisciplinary Investigation of Naming Practices of Cafes Signages in Jordan. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies. 23(4), 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2023-2304

[17] Mitchell, T.O., Gledhill, A., Shand, R., et al., 2021. Players’ Perceptions of the Talent Development Environment within the English Premier League and Football League. International Sport Coaching Journal. 8(3), 362–370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2020-0085

[18] Football Clubs in London. P1 Travel. 2023. Available from: https://www.p1travel.com/blog/football-clubs-london/

[19] Rollin, J., Giulianotti, R.C., (n.d.). Football History, Rules, & Significant Players. Britannica. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/sports/football-soccer

[20] Leslie, P.L., Skipper, J.K., 1990. Toward a Theory of Nicknames: A Case for Socio-Onomastics. Names. 38(4), 273–282. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/nam.1990.38.4.273

[21] Deardorff, D., 2006. Hero and Anti-Hero in the American Football Novel: Changing Conceptions of Masculinity from the 19th Century to the 21st Century. Edwin Mellen Press. Available from: https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1062&context=faculty_books

[22] Al-Rawashdeh, B.A., Issa, A.H.B., Rababah, M.A., 2024. Substitution in Arabic: Lisan Al-Arab Dictionary as a model. Theory and Practice in Language Studie. 14(1), 116–124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1401.13

[23] Elrabbaei, I., 2018. Creativity spaces in graphic design: Pedagogical implications. International Journal of English and Education. 7(4), 337–348. Available from: https://ijee.org/assets/docs/28luqman.28071551.pdf

[24] English Premier League All Team Nicknames. Sports Unfold. Available from: https://www.sportsunfold.com/english-premier-league-all-team-nicknames/

[25] Essa, A.H.B., Al-Tawalbeh, A.M., Al-Gayam, I.M., et al., 2023. The dream poem: Qays Ibn Al-Khateem’s poem “Anna Sarabti”. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 13(2), 479–486. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1302.24

[26] Football history. Available from: https://www.footballhistory.org/

[27] Hatamleh, I.H.M., 2024. Exploring the Multifaceted Influences of Social Media Motivation on Online Relationship Commitment among Young Adults in Jordan: An Empirical Study. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies. 20(1), 2510500. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2510500

[28] Hatamleh, I.H.M., Safori, A.O., Ahmad, A.K., et al., 2023. Exploring the Interplay of Cultural Restraint: The Relationship between Social Media Motivation and Subjective Happiness. Social Sciences. 12(4), 228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12040228

[29] Obama, B., 2010. Available from:http://voices.yahoo.com/language-culture-5185683.html

[30] Alghazo, K.M., Qbeita, A.A.A., Rababah, M.A., et al., 2023. English language teachers’ employment of successful intelligence skills. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies. 12(2), 184–194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55493/5019.v12i2.4839

[31] Crystal, D., 1994. An encyclopedic dictionary of languages. Penguin.

[32] Nuessel, F., 1994. Objectionable Sports Team Designations. Names. 42(2), 101–119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/nam.1994.42.2.101

[33] MacKenzie, L., 2018. What is in a Name? Teaching Linguistics using Onomastic Data. Language. 94(4), e293–e310. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/lan.2018.0068

[34] Skipper Jr, J.K., 1985. Nicknames of Notorious American Twentieth-Century Deviants: The Decline of the Folk Hero Syndrome. Deviant Behavior. 6(1), 99–114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.1985.9967662

[35] Wang, X. 2024. Chinese transnational football fans and English Premier League: A sociological research of Chinese Manchester United fans. [Doctoral dissertation, Loughborough University]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26174/thesis.lboro.27927435.v1

[36] Feng, W., Shuyue, Z., Cheng, C., 2020. A Preliminary study on the nicknames of the FIFA national football teams. Names. 68(2), 59–75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00277738.2020.175145737

[37] Boateng, D., 2021. Cross-Continental Variations in the Nicknames of FIFA National Football Teams. Available from: https://oelt2021.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/k_oelt2020/Workshops/Abstracts/Abstracts_Workshop_17_Sprache_und_Fussball_II.pdf

[38] Cassidy, F., 1977. Notes on Nicknames for Places in the United States. American Speech. 52(1/2), 19–28. Available from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/454716

[39] Doyle, C.C., 2019. American Folk Speech, Names, and Gestures. The Oxford Handbook of American Folklore and Folk Life Studies. 127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/454716

[40] Wehrli, A., Awal, N.M., 2014. Second-Person Reference in Indonesian Christian Prayer: A Sociolinguistic Analysis. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies. 14(3), 175–189. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/GEMA-2014-1403-11

[41] Wilson, B.S., Skipper, J.K.,1990. Nicknames and Women Professional Baseball Players. Names. 38(4), 305–322. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/nam.1990.38.4.305

[42] Zvereva, E., Chilingaryan, K., 2016. Linguacultural Specifics of Non-Official Names of Football (soccer) Clubs Used by Spanish-Speaking Sports Reporters in Edulearn16: 8th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2016.0007

[43] Holmes, J., Wilson, N., 2017. An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. Routledge. Available from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315728438/introduction-sociolinguistics-janet-holmes-nick-wilson

[44] Great British Mag. Why is Football so Popular in the UK? Available from: https://greatbritishmag.co.uk/uk-culture/why-football-in-the-uk-popular/

[45] Pue, G.H., Ong, P.L., Loo, H.C., 2019. Kelantan Peranakan Chinese Language and Marker of Group Identity. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies. 19(2), 33–51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2019-1902-03

[46] The Devil: Origin, Bible, Lucifer-History. Available from: https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-the-devil

[47] The History of the First Football Club. Sheffield FC. Available from: https://sheffieldfc.com/the-worlds-first/history

[48] Newcastle University. Useful Geordie Phrases. Subject Guides. Available from: https://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/c.php?g=130223&p=850379

[49] Harara, N.M., Al Najdawi, B.M., Rababah, M.A., et al., 2024. Jordanian tour guides' communication competency. Journal of Language Teaching and Research. 15(3), 873–883. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1503.20

[50] Al-Saidat, E.M., Tawalbeh, A.I., Malkawi, N.A., et al., 2023. The linguistic implications of Facebook nicknames for Jordanian males and females. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 13(10), 2457–2467. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1310.04

[51] Al-Jezawi, H.K., Al-Abdulrazaq, M.A., Rababah, M.A., et al., 2023. Art voicing peaceful protest: Hip-hop and rap in the American and Arabic cultures. International Journal of Arabic-English Studies. 24(1), 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33806/ijaes.v24i1.555

[52] Rababah, M.A., Rababah, L.M., Abumelhim, M.H., et al., 2023. Interdisciplinary investigation of naming practices of cafes signages in Jordan. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies. 23(4), 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2023-2304-01

Downloads

How to Cite

Rababah, L. M., Rababah, M. A., Haddad, M. T., Bani-Khair, B., Rababah, K. A., Wolor, C. W., Al-Thunebat, S. A., & Kaddum, M. (2024). A Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of British Football Club Nicknames. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(6), 1164–1174. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7495

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 6 (December 2024)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.