General
skipper
What does skipper mean?
Common slang for the captain, the player wearing the armband and leading the side.
"The skipper lifted the trophy after the final whistle."
Origin
From nautical 'skipper' (ship's captain).
Frequently asked questions
What does skipper mean in sport?
It is common slang for the team captain, the player who wears the armband and leads the side on the pitch.
Why is a captain called the skipper?
The word comes from the nautical term for a ship's captain, and was carried over to describe the leader of a sports team.
Is skipper used outside football?
Yes, it is used across many team sports, especially cricket and rugby, as well as its original sailing meaning.
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