handicap etymology

Etymology:

The word "handicap" derives from the 16th-century term "hand-in-cap," referring to a practice in which beggars would stand in the street with their hand in their cap, soliciting alms.

Meaning:

  1. A physical or cognitive disability that limits a person's abilities:

    • "He has a severe handicap that affects his mobility."
  2. A disadvantage or obstacle that makes it more difficult to succeed:

    • "The language barrier proved to be a significant handicap in their negotiations."
  3. A compensatory advantage given to someone with a disability to level the playing field:

    • "The golfer received a handicap of 10 strokes to account for his visual impairment."

Origin:

The term "handicap" has its origins in the game of golf, where it referred to a system of allowing players with different skill levels to compete fairly. The practice of giving players with disabilities a handicap emerged in the 20th century as a way to make golf more inclusive.

Over time, the term "handicap" has been applied more broadly to describe any disadvantage or obstacle that can hinder someone's progress.

handicap relate terms

  • handicapped

    Etymology Late 16th century from Middle French handicap from Old French handecappe

  • handicap

    Etymology The word handicap derives from the 16th century term hand in cap referrin

  • balk

    Etymology Middle English balken from Old English belcan to thwart oppose Meanin

  • check

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

  • hinder

    Etymology The word hinder comes from the Old English word hindrian meaning to obst

  • Scratch

    Etymology The word scratch comes from the Middle English word scratten which in turn

  • special

    Special Etymology Etymology refers to the study of the origin of words Special etymology

  • drag

    Etymology The word drag originates from the Middle English term dragen which means

  • bias

    Etymology Origin Middle English bias from Old French bias from Late Latin biāc

  • aplenty

    Etymology The word aplenty is derived from the Old English phrase in plente which me

  • penalty

    Etymology The word penalty is derived from the Late Latin term poena which means p

  • difficulty

    Etymology From Old French difficulté from Latin difficultas from difficilis meaning