Ringer: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "ringer" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sino

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคฟเค‚เค—เคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Glocke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lonceng

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะทะฒะพะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dzwon

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sonnette

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ timbre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท zil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฒจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุฑุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zvonek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zvonฤek

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้“ƒ้“›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zvonec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bjalla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพาฃั‹ั€ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zษ™ng

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ timbre

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.