Screwball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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screwball

[ˈskruːbɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

informal term

A screwball is a person who behaves in an eccentric or unpredictable manner. It is often used to describe someone who is quirky or unconventional in their actions and thoughts.

Synonyms

eccentric, oddball, weirdo.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a screwball; you never know what he'll do next.
  • She has a screwball sense of humor that keeps everyone guessing.
  • The screwball made a scene at the party, entertaining everyone with his antics.
Context #2 | Noun

sports term

In baseball, a screwball is a type of pitch that curves in the opposite direction of a curveball, usually breaking inwards towards a right-handed batter when thrown by a right-handed pitcher.

Synonyms

curve, pitch.

Examples of usage

  • He threw a nasty screwball that completely fooled the batter.
  • Her favorite pitch to throw is the screwball; it catches hitters off guard.
  • The screwball is less commonly thrown than other pitches but can be very effective.

Translations

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Origin of 'screwball'

The term 'screwball' originally emerged in the early 20th century in American baseball slang to describe a type of pitch that spins in an unusual direction. The word itself combines 'screw', referring to the spiral motion imparted on the ball, and 'ball', indicating its nature as a sporting object. As the term gained popularity, it began to see broader usage in American English to describe eccentric or unpredictable individuals, first appearing in literature in the 1930s. This shift in meaning reflects the quirky, unexpected nature of both the pitch and the people it describes. The screwball pitch itself became a subject of fascination within baseball because of its rarity and the skill required to master it. Over time, its use in everyday language has made 'screwball' synonymous with odd behavior, showcasing how terms can evolve beyond their original contexts and gain new cultural significance.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,263, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.