stickhandle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to semi-formal, primarily in sports contexts. Metaphorical use is informal.
Quick answer
What does “stickhandle” mean?
To skilfully control and manoeuvre a ball or puck with a hockey stick, especially in order to avoid opposing players.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To skilfully control and manoeuvre a ball or puck with a hockey stick, especially in order to avoid opposing players.
To navigate a situation or problem with deft skill and control, often in a manner that avoids obstacles. This metaphorical extension is most common in North American contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, primarily used in specific sports reporting (e.g., field hockey). In North American English, it is a core term of ice hockey and its metaphorical use is more prevalent. The verb is more frequent and entrenched in North American sports lexicon.
Connotations
In North America, connotes high-level ice hockey skill. In the UK, more neutral sporting term, less culturally iconic. The metaphorical use is almost exclusively North American.
Frequency
High frequency in North American sports media. Low to medium frequency in UK sports media, primarily for field hockey.
Grammar
How to Use “stickhandle” in a Sentence
[Subject] stickhandles [Object (puck/ball)][Subject] stickhandles through/around/past [Obstacle (defenders/traffic)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stickhandle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The midfielder can stickhandle the ball in the tightest of spaces.
- Young players are taught to stickhandle before focusing on power.
American English
- McDavid can stickhandle through the entire opposing team at full speed.
- He stickhandled around the defender and fired a backhand shot.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Typically 'stickhandlingly' is not used.)
- He moved stickhandlingly through the defence. (Highly marked, non-standard)
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Typically 'stickhandlingly' is not used.)
- She stickhandled brilliantly to create the chance.
adjective
British English
- Her stickhandling skills are phenomenal. (as a participial adjective/noun modifier)
- A top stickhandling drill for field hockey.
American English
- His stickhandling prowess is the best in the NHL.
- They focused on stickhandling practice during the morning skate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, to navigate complex negotiations or bureaucratic hurdles deftly. (e.g., 'She stickhandled the merger talks past the regulatory obstacles.')
Academic
Rare. Potentially in sports science or sociology of sport.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in discussing hockey. Metaphorical use understood in North America.
Technical
Precise term in hockey coaching and analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stickhandle”
- Using it for general 'handling' without the element of skilled evasion. (Incorrect: 'He stickhandled the paperwork to his boss.')
- Confusing with 'stick-handling' (noun form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word (stickhandle) as a verb. The related noun form is often hyphenated ('stick-handling') or written as two words, but the trend is towards solid form.
No. It is specific to hockey (ice and field). For football/soccer, use 'dribble'. Using 'stickhandle' for soccer would sound odd and reveal a non-native understanding of the term.
It is established and understood, particularly in North American business and political journalism, but it remains a stylistic choice. It is not as common as core metaphors like 'tackle a problem'.
In hockey contexts, they are often synonyms. However, 'stickhandle' can imply a wider range of controlling manoeuvres (dekes, fakes, pulls), while 'dribble' might imply more straightforward propulsion of the puck. 'Stickhandle' is the more technical term.
To skilfully control and manoeuvre a ball or puck with a hockey stick, especially in order to avoid opposing players.
Stickhandle is usually informal to semi-formal, primarily in sports contexts. metaphorical use is informal. in register.
Stickhandle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkˌhæn.dl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkˌhæn.dl̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stickhandle one's way through (a problem)”
- “stickhandle through the bureaucracy”
- “stickhandle around the issue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hockey STICK in your HAND, and you HANDLE the puck. Stick+Handle = Stickhandle.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE OPPOSING PLAYERS / NAVIGATING DIFFICULTY IS A SPORT SKILL.
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, metaphorical sense, 'stickhandle' primarily implies: