The World Cup’s Lingua Franca: Why ‘Soccer’ Finally Stays on Tap

The debate over whether to call it “soccer” or “football” has long been a running joke for American fans, but its roots in linguistic and cultural history are anything but amusing. A recent move by a craft brewery in Rhode Island to capitalize on this quip with a beer called “It’s Called Soccer” brings the conversation full circle – from Oxford University classrooms to World Cup beer tents.

The origins of “soccer” itself date back to 1880s England, where it emerged as a clipped version of “association football.” This etymology might seem trivial to fans caught up in the surface-level joke of the debate, but it reveals a complex history of borrowing and vernacularization that has left the word feeling uniquely American.

The shift from British to American usage wasn’t instantaneous. In fact, both words coexisted peacefully for decades, with “soccer” gradually becoming more entrenched as American fandom grew. By the 1990s, British usage had begun to decline, leaving Americans to their own linguistic preferences – and a growing sense of ownership over the sport.

This is where Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.’s beer comes in – a celebration not just of the sport but of its local identity. CEO Brendan O’Donnell’s fond memory of hearing “It’s called soccer” chants at the 1994 World Cup has inspired a beer that embodies the spirit of shared experience and collective joy.

As the World Cup approaches, it’s clear that American beer culture is counting on the tournament to drive interest – and sales. With Michelob Ultra as the official sponsor and big brands like Budweiser running nostalgia campaigns, brewers are tapping into the excitement. However, there’s a risk of reducing this cultural moment to mere marketing gimmicks.

The World Cup is about more than beer; it’s about people coming together to celebrate their love for the game – and finding common ground in the process. By embracing “soccer” as a badge of honor, American fans are reclaiming ownership not just of the word but of the sport itself.

As we approach this summer’s tournament, it’s worth considering what this linguistic shift says about our cultural landscape. Have we finally accepted that “soccer” is here to stay – or have we simply grown tired of debating its merits? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: for American fans, the word has stopped being borrowed a long time ago.

The tension between “soccer” and “football” has become an integral part of what makes the sport ours. By embracing this quirk, we’re acknowledging that language is never static – and that the words we use to describe our passions are often more nuanced than they seem. This dynamic speaks to a broader trend in American culture: our willingness to reclaim and reinterpret borrowed traditions as our own.

From jazz to hip-hop, from tacos to craft beer, we’ve taken cultural imports and made them our own through innovation and enthusiasm. The same is true for the World Cup – an event that transcends borders and language barriers. As the world comes together for the tournament, American fans participate in a global conversation that celebrates collective joy and shared identity.

The stakes are high for brewers, who are counting on the tournament to drive sales and boost interest in their products. But let’s not forget what truly matters: the sport itself – its beauty, its drama, and its ability to bring people together like no other event can.

As we look back on this linguistic journey, it’s clear that “soccer” has become a badge of honor for American fans. By embracing this quirk, we’re not just celebrating a sport; we’re reclaiming our place within its global narrative. The countless stories of fans who have grown up with “soccer” as their own – and now share it with the world – are a testament to this cultural shift.

As the World Cup approaches, one thing is certain: “soccer” will stay on tap – and on our minds. But what does this mean for American beer culture? Will it continue to drive interest and sales, or has it already reached a tipping point? Only time will tell.

However, one thing remains clear: for fans who have grown up with “soccer,” the word has stopped being borrowed a long time ago. It’s become an integral part of what makes our shared experience – and our love for the game – so unique. As we raise a glass to this summer’s tournament, let’s remember that language is never static – and that the words we use to describe our passions are often more nuanced than they seem.

In embracing “soccer” as our own, American fans have reclaimed ownership not just of the word but of the sport itself. And in doing so, we’ve found a common ground that transcends borders and language barriers. The world is watching – and cheering. Let’s raise a glass to what makes this moment truly ours: the beautiful game, the shared experience, and the joy of saying it loud and proud: “It’s called soccer.”