kingpin etymology

Etymology:

Kingpin is a term derived from the world of bowling. It is a combination of the words "king" and "pin."

Meaning:

Kingpin refers to the central pin in a bowling set, which is larger and more important than the other pins. In bowling, knocking down the kingpin is crucial for scoring a strike.

Origin:

The term "kingpin" can be traced back to the early days of bowling. In the 1800s, bowling was a popular game played with wooden pins set up in a triangular formation. The pin in the center was called the "kingpin" because it was the most valuable pin to knock down. It was worth more points than the other pins and was often used as a reference point for scoring.

Over time, the term "kingpin" came to be used in other contexts beyond bowling. It has become a slang term for someone who plays a central role in an organization or group, or for something that is essential to the functioning of a system.

Modern Usage:

In modern usage, kingpin is often used in the following contexts:

• The leader or head of a criminal organization, a drug kingpin.
• A central figure or important person in a business or industry.
• A key component or technology in a system, such as the kingpin in a bowling set.

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