drop kick
C1Informal (when referring to a person). Technical (in sports contexts).
Definition
Meaning
A kick made in sports, especially rugby or Australian rules football, by dropping the ball from the hands and kicking it as it touches the ground.
In vernacular use, can refer to an inept or worthless person; a fool. Also used as a verb to describe the act of performing such a kick.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary sense is a specific sports technique. The secondary, derogatory sense for a person is chiefly Australian and New Zealand slang, and can be considered offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The sports technique is understood in both, but rugby is more central to British/Commonwealth usage. American football has a similar but distinct play (a 'drop kick' in American football is very rare). The slang sense for a person is not standard in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with rugby union. In Australia/NZ, the slang connotation is strong and colloquial. In the US, the term is largely confined to sports enthusiasts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK, Australian, and NZ English due to rugby culture. Low frequency in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] drop-kicks [object] (verb)[Subject] is a drop kick (noun, slang)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He couldn't organise a drop kick in a brewery. (Aussie/NZ variant of 'piss-up in a brewery')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in sports science literature discussing technique.
Everyday
Used in sports commentary and informal insults (in Aus/NZ).
Technical
Precise term in the laws of rugby union (Law 8.7).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The fly-half drop-kicked the winning goal from 35 metres.
- He tried to drop kick it into touch.
American English
- The quarterback famously drop-kicked an extra point in 2005.
- You can't drop kick a conversion in the NFL anymore.
adverb
British English
- He scored drop-kick style. (rare)
adjective
British English
- A drop-kick goal is worth three points.
- He's known for his drop-kick technique.
American English
- It was a rare drop-kick attempt.
- The drop-kick rule is archaic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He watched the player drop kick the ball over the posts.
- In rugby, you can score with a drop kick.
- The crucial three points came from a perfectly executed drop kick just before half-time.
- My mate is a total drop kick – he forgot his own birthday.
- Analysing the biomechanics of a successful drop kick reveals precise timing and foot placement.
- The term 'drop kick' as a pejorative is deeply embedded in Australasian vernacular, implying both incompetence and laziness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DROP (the ball) then KICK (it). The slang: imagine someone so clumsy they'd drop the ball before they could even kick it.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS PERSON IS A FAILED SPORTS ACTION (slang).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "роняющий удар". For the sports term, use "дроп-гол" or "удар с отскока". The slang sense has no direct equivalent; "болван" or "неудачник" are contextual approximations.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as one word: 'dropkick' (acceptable variant, but 'drop kick' is standard).
- Using the slang sense in formal contexts.
- Assuming Americans will understand the slang sense.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'drop kick' commonly used as a slang term for a useless person?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both forms are used. 'Drop kick' (two words) is more common for the noun in sports contexts, while 'drop-kick' (hyphenated) is often used for the verb. 'Dropkick' as a single word is also an accepted variant.
Yes, but it is an extremely rare and largely historical play. It involves dropping the ball and kicking it as it touches the ground, used for field goals or extra points. It is legal but almost never seen in the modern NFL.
Yes, in Australian and New Zealand slang, it is a derogatory term. It suggests the person is foolish, incompetent, or a loser. It should be avoided in polite or formal conversation.
A drop kick is kicked as the ball makes contact with the ground. A punt is kicked from the hands, without the ball touching the ground. The techniques and typical game situations for each are different.