General
minnows
What does minnows mean?
A tiny or lowly-ranked club or nation expected to lose against stronger opposition.
"The tournament minnows held the favourites to a draw."
Origin
From the small freshwater fish; figuratively, the 'little fish'.
Frequently asked questions
What does minnows mean in sport?
It refers to a small, unfancied and lowly-ranked club or national team expected to lose against stronger opposition.
Why are weak teams called minnows?
The word comes from the tiny freshwater fish, used figuratively to describe the 'little fish' among bigger, more powerful sides.
Is minnows an insult?
It is mildly dismissive but widely used in a neutral, descriptive way, and minnows are often celebrated when they defy the odds.
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