General
ticky-tack
What does ticky-tack mean?
A minor, marginal foul that many feel should have been let go by the officials.
"He fouled out on a couple of ticky-tack calls."
Origin
Slang for something petty or trivial.
Frequently asked questions
What does ticky-tack mean in basketball?
A ticky-tack foul is a minor, marginal foul call that many feel was too soft and should have been let go by the officials.
Where does ticky-tack come from?
It's older slang for something petty, cheap, or trivial, applied to fouls that are technically correct but very minor.
Why do fans complain about ticky-tack calls?
Fans feel these weak whistles interrupt the flow of the game and can unfairly put key players in foul trouble over incidental contact.
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