called strike
MediumTechnical / Sports (Baseball), occasionally metaphorical in formal/informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
In baseball, a pitch that passes through the strike zone as defined by the official rules, but which the batter does not swing at, and which is therefore declared a strike by the umpire.
In broader metaphorical use, any formal declaration or judgment that something has failed to meet a required standard, made by an authority figure, often without the target's active participation in the failure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is compound-specific; 'called' refers to the umpire's vocal declaration. It is distinct from a 'swinging strike' where the batter attempts to hit the ball. Metaphorically, it implies a passive failure judged by an authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American due to baseball's cultural dominance in the US. In British contexts, it would only be understood in specific discussions of baseball or as a deliberate Americanism/metaphor.
Connotations
In the US: Strongly associated with baseball's rules and strategy. In the UK: Recognized primarily by sports enthusiasts; may sound like a foreign technical term.
Frequency
Very high frequency in US sports media; extremely low to zero in general UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The umpire called a strike on the batter.He took a called strike on the outside corner.The pitcher got him with a called third strike.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “caught looking”
- “frozen by a called strike”
- “ring him up on a called third strike”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphor: 'The proposal was a called strike with the board; they rejected it without even discussing the details.'
Academic
Used in sports science or sociological analyses of rule-based judgment and authority.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in discussions of watching or playing baseball/softball.
Technical
Precise term in baseball statistics (e.g., K looking), officiating, and coaching strategy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The umpire called a strike on the inside pitch.
- He was called out on strikes.
American English
- The home plate umpire called strike three on the outside corner.
- She got called out looking.
adverb
British English
- He was struck out called, to his frustration.
- (Usage as adverb is highly rare and non-standard.)
American English
- He went down called, staring at the pitch.
- (Usage as adverb is highly rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- It was a decisive called-strike decision.
- The called-strike rule was applied.
American English
- He's known for his nasty called-strike pitch.
- The called-strike zone seemed generous today.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The umpire said "strike!" The batter did not swing.
- A 'called strike' is when the batter does not hit the ball.
- The pitcher threw a perfect called strike on the outside edge.
- With two strikes already, the batter took a called third strike.
- The manager argued vehemently that the called strike was actually a ball.
- Analysts noted the pitcher's ability to get called strikes with his curveball.
- The controversial called strike that ended the game sparked debates about the consistency of the automated strike zone.
- Metaphorically, his policy proposal was a called strike with the committee, dismissed without a proper hearing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an umpire SHOUTING ('calling') "STRIKE!" while a batter just stands still ('called' strike, not swinging).
Conceptual Metaphor
JUDGMENT IS AN OFFICIAL DECLARATION IN A RULE-BASED GAME; PASSIVE FAILURE IS BEING 'CAUGHT LOOKING'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите буквально как "названный удар". В спортивном контексте это "страйк, взятый без замаха" или "страйк, зафиксированный судьёй".
- Избегайте путаницы со словом "called" в значении "позвонил".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'called strike' for any strike (must be one the batter didn't swing at).
- Confusing it with 'strike call' (which is the act, not the specific type).
Practice
Quiz
What is essential for a pitch to be ruled a 'called strike'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All called strikes are strikes, but not all strikes are called strikes. A strike can also be a swinging strike (miss) or a foul ball. A 'called strike' specifically means the batter did not swing.
Yes, but only metaphorically. It describes a situation where an authority figure declares that someone has passively failed to meet a standard, often without their active attempt leading to the failure.
Because the umpire verbally announces or 'calls' it a strike. The vocal declaration is a key part of the officiating act.
A 'called strike' is a type of event (the pitch ruled a strike without a swing). A 'strike call' refers to the specific act or decision of the umpire in that moment.