Badminton is a popular racquet sport that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a fun, fast-paced game that can be played indoors or outdoors with two, three, or four players. While the sport is widely known by its given name, badminton, it does have a few other names. In this article, we’ll explore the various nicknames and alternative terms for badminton.
The Origins of Badminton
Badminton originated in the early 1800s in India, where it was known as poona. The sport was then brought to England by British officers who had served in India. In its early days, the game was referred to as “The Poona Game” or “Poona”. In 1873, the name was officially changed to badminton when the Duke of Beaufort, who lived near the Badminton House in Gloucestershire, hosted a badminton tournament on his estate.
Alternative Names for Badminton
Since its inception, badminton has developed a few nicknames and alternative terms. While some of these terms are still used in certain contexts, most have fallen out of popular usage.
Shuttlecock: Shuttlecock is a common alternative name for badminton. This term is derived from the fact that the game is played with a shuttlecock, which is a small, feathered projectile that is hit back and forth between players.
Birdie: Birdie is another common alternative name for badminton. This term is derived from the fact that the shuttlecock, which is also known as a “bird”, is hit back and forth between players.
Feathered Ball: Feathered ball is a less commonly used alternative name for badminton. This term is derived from the fact that the shuttlecock, which is also known as a “bird”, is made up of feathers.
Battle of the Birds: Battle of the Birds is a rarely used alternative name for badminton. This term is derived from the fact that the game is played with a shuttlecock, which is also known as a “bird”.
Poona: Poona is an archaic alternative name for badminton. This term was used in the early days of the sport in India, before it was officially changed to badminton in 1873.
Conclusion
Badminton is a popular racquet sport that has been enjoyed for centuries. While the sport is widely known by its given name, badminton, it does have a few other names. These alternative terms include shuttlecock, birdie, feathered ball, battle of the birds, and poona. While some of these terms are still used in certain contexts, most have fallen out of popular usage.