Barracking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barracking

[หˆbรฆrษ™kษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sports support

Barracking refers to the act of shouting encouragement or criticism at a player or team during a sporting event. This term is commonly used in Australian English to describe the vocal support given by fans to their favorite teams.

Synonyms

cheering, encouraging, supporting.

Examples of usage

  • The crowd was barracking for their home team.
  • He was barracking loudly for his favorite athlete.
  • The fans started barracking as the game intensified.
Context #2 | Verb

mocking

Barracking can also mean to criticize or mock someone, often in a loud or disruptive manner. This usage implies a more negative connotation, where the intent is to undermine rather than support.

Synonyms

jeering, ridiculing, taunting.

Examples of usage

  • The audience began barracking his performance.
  • She felt barracked by her peers during the debate.
  • His jokes were met with barracking instead of laughter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In sports, barracking creates a lively atmosphere and can significantly influence a player's performance.
  • Some cultures, like Australian and British, have a rich tradition of barracking, often leading to spirited rivalries between teams.
  • The practice of barracking can be both supportive and critical, showcasing the passion of fans for their teams.

Psychology

  • Loud cheering (barracking) has been shown to enhance a player's motivation and confidence during competitions.
  • Social identity theory suggests that fans often identify strongly with their teams, leading to intense emotional experiences when barracking.
  • The communal nature of barracking can strengthen group bonds among fans, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.

Pop Culture

  • Barracking has made its way into various forms of entertainment, from movies focused on sports to songs celebrating fan culture.
  • Television coverage of sports events often highlights the barracking of fans, illustrating its importance in sports broadcasting.
  • Memorable moments in sports history are often paired with fan barracking, capturing the spirit of the event.

Origin of 'barracking'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'barrack' comes from the 19th century, where it originally referred to soldiersโ€™ housing, implying a place full of noise and excitement.
  • The word evolved to mean loud cheering or mocking, particularly in sporting contexts, showing how language adapts to culture.
  • In Australia, the term became popular in the 20th century, particularly in cricket and Australian Rules football circles.

The term 'barrack' originates from the military, deriving from the Spanish word 'barraca,' meaning 'shelter' or 'huts.' In the 19th century, it began to be used in British Army lingo, referring to soldiers barracked in temporary shelters. The transition of the term into a sporting context is believed to have occurred in the late 20th century in Australia, where sporting events became an arena for fierce support and vocal displays. This evolution reflects a shift in social and cultural practices surrounding sports, where fan engagement became more pronounced. 'Barracking' thus captures the essence of sports culture in Australia, representing both the support and, in some contexts, the critical response fans can display.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,911, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.