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Ringer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
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ringer

[หˆrษชล‹ษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports terminology

In sports, a 'ringer' refers to a player who is of significantly higher skill level than the rest of the team or the competition. This term is often used to describe someone who is not a regular member of a team but is brought in to ensure a victory. The use of a ringer can be controversial, as it may lead to questions about the fairness of the competition. It can also refer to someone who is deceptive or poses as someone else in various contexts.

Synonyms

fraud, imposter, sham.

Examples of usage

  • They brought in a ringer to help win the championship.
  • She was considered a ringer for the competitive team due to her experience.
  • The local league prohibits the use of ringers to maintain fair play.
Context #2 | Noun

informal usage

Informally, a 'ringer' can refer to any person or thing that is used to mislead or trick others. This usage emphasizes the deceptive nature of the term, indicating someone who takes on a false identity or leads people to believe they are something they are not. It can be utilized in situations where someone plays a role that is not true to their actual abilities or characteristics.

Synonyms

deceiver, poser, pretender.

Examples of usage

  • He was a ringer at the party, pretending to be a celebrity.
  • The magician's assistant was a real ringer, fooling everyone.
  • They used a ringer in the con to swindle the unsuspecting buyers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In sports, a ringer often refers to a player who is much more skilled than expected, potentially being a professional playing in amateur leagues.
  • This term can also denote a 'ringer' in golf, where one player might take a higher skill instead of a less skilled player to aid a team.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of a 'ringer' appears in films and books, showcasing characters who assume false identities or roles to achieve something greater.
  • In the TV series 'Friends', Joey's character is sometimes depicted as a 'ringer' when he is part of acting classes, pretending to be someone he is not.

Psychology

  • People sometimes use 'ringers' in social situations, pretending to be part of a group they are not, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or stress.
  • The phenomenon of impostor syndrome can lead 'ringers' to feel undeserving of their achievements, despite their skills being authentic.

Literature

  • In literature, characters disguised as 'ringers' often serve as plot twists, uncovering themes of identity and deception.
  • Many classic stories, such as 'The Prince and the Pauper,' explore the idea of people being 'ringers' for someone else, revealing character depth and societal commentary.

Origin of 'ringer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ringer' originated in the 19th century, originally referring to racehorses that were substituted for better ones in order to cheat.
  • It comes from the word 'ring,' referencing the act of 'ringing in' or introducing someone who should not belong.

The term 'ringer' has its origins in the 19th century, with its earliest use traced back to the sport of horse racing. It is believed to have derived from the practice of entering a horse that was not oneโ€™s own by substituting a faster horse, thus presenting a 'ringer' that appeared as a different horse. The word itself is thought to be a play on the term 'to ring' or 'ring-in,' which means to substitute or to take someone else's place. Over time, the nomenclature expanded beyond horse racing and began to be applied to various sports and informal contexts where deception or misrepresentation occurred. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was commonly used in team sports to describe players who were brought in to skew the odds in favor of a team, often leading to debates about the integrity of competition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,721, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.