General
onion bag
What does onion bag mean?
British slang for the net, because the meshwork behind the goal resembles the sacks onions are sold in.
"He stuck it in the onion bag to make it three-nil."
Origin
British slang; the goal net looks like a mesh onion sack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the onion bag in football?
It is British slang for the goal net. To 'find the onion bag' means to score a goal.
Why is the goal net called the onion bag?
Because the mesh netting behind the goal looks like the string sacks that onions are commonly sold in.
Is 'onion bag' still used today?
Yes, it remains popular commentary and terrace slang in British football, often used for comic or nostalgic effect.
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