bully-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Sport-specific)Technical / Formal (Sporting)
Quick answer
What does “bully-off” mean?
In field hockey, the method of starting or restarting play, in which two opposing players alternately tap the ground and their opponent's stick three times before attempting to strike the ball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In field hockey, the method of starting or restarting play, in which two opposing players alternately tap the ground and their opponent's stick three times before attempting to strike the ball.
The opening, initial, or decisive confrontation or engagement in a situation; a face-off, showdown, or starting event in a competitive context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
It is primarily a British and Commonwealth sporting term. In American English, the concept is virtually unknown as field hockey is a minor sport. The equivalent action in ice hockey is called a 'face-off'.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes a formal, rule-bound start to a sporting contest. In American English, it has no established connotation.
Frequency
Frequent within British/Commonwealth field hockey commentary and literature. Extremely rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bully-off” in a Sentence
The referee [verb: awarded, signalled] a bully-off.The two centres [verb: took, contested] the bully-off.Play restarts with a bully-off [prepositional phrase: on the 25-yard line].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bully-off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The referee told them to bully-off again after the infringement.
American English
- Not used as a verb in AmE; 'face off' would be used instead.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The bully-off procedure is clearly defined in the rulebook.
American English
- Not used as an adjective in AmE.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used metaphorically for a tense opening negotiation or confrontation.
Academic
Only in sports science or historical texts about field hockey.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation outside of hockey contexts.
Technical
Core terminology in the official rules and coaching of field hockey.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bully-off”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bully-off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bully-off”
- Using 'bully-off' to mean a person who bullies others. Confusing it with the more common 'face-off' in general language. Using it as a verb without the hyphen (it's primarily a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a distinct, sport-specific term with a different etymology. It likely comes from an older meaning of 'bully' as 'good' or 'fine', as in the phrase 'bully for you'.
Only in a very specific metaphorical sense related to a confrontation or start of a contest. In general conversation, 'face-off', 'showdown', or simply 'start' are far more common and understood.
In ice hockey, the equivalent action is called a 'face-off'.
It can be used as a verb in field hockey contexts (e.g., 'They will bully-off to restart play'), but this is highly specialised. The noun form is more common.
In field hockey, the method of starting or restarting play, in which two opposing players alternately tap the ground and their opponent's stick three times before attempting to strike the ball.
Bully-off is usually technical / formal (sporting) in register.
Bully-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊli ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊli ɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It all came down to a verbal bully-off in the meeting.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two players being 'bullied' into a strict, tap-tap-tap routine by the rules before they can 'off' (start) the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A FORMAL DUEL (the structured start symbolises the entire contest).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'bully-off' technically correct?