Petanque: meaning, definitions and examples
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petanque
[ pəˈtɒŋk ]
sports game
Petanque is a social and recreational game that is especially popular in France. It is played by throwing steel balls (known as boules) as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces, typically gravel or sand.
Examples of usage
- We played a game of petanque at the park.
- The petanque championship attracted many participants.
- She enjoys playing petanque with friends on weekends.
Etymology
The word 'petanque' comes from the Provençal dialect of the Occitan language, specifically from the phrase 'pèd tanco,' which means 'feet together.' This term describes the way players position themselves on the ground before throwing the boules. Petanque originated in the early 20th century in the Provence region of France and evolved from earlier forms of the game boules. Popularized in France, petanque has since spread to various countries and has become a fun and social outdoor activity. The game is played at recreational as well as competitive levels, with official tournaments taking place worldwide.