General
howler
What does howler mean?
An embarrassing mistake made under little pressure, most associated with goalkeepers but possible for any player or referee.
"The keeper let a tame shot squirm under him — what a howler."
Origin
General English 'howler' for a laughable blunder, applied to football gaffes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a howler in football?
It is a glaring, often comical individual mistake, most commonly made by a goalkeeper letting in an easy goal.
Where does the word 'howler' come from?
From general English, where a 'howler' is a laughable blunder or embarrassing error; it was adopted for football gaffes.
Who usually commits a howler?
Goalkeepers are the most associated with howlers, but defenders, outfield players and referees can all make them too.
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