punt etymology

Etymology

The word "punt" comes from the Middle English word "pounten," which itself is derived from the Old French word "ponter," meaning "to push or propel a boat with a pole."

Meaning

  1. A flat-bottomed boat with square ends that is pushed or poled along a river or canal.

  2. A maneuver in American football where the quarterback kicks the ball directly from the line of scrimmage without attempting a pass or run.

  3. A bet placed on a horse race or other sporting event.

Origin

The origin of the word "punt" in the sense of a boat can be traced back to the 14th century. The term was originally used to describe a type of boat that was used to transport goods and people along rivers and canals. These boats were typically long and narrow, with a flat bottom and square ends. They were propelled by means of a pole or a long oar.

The word "punt" in the sense of a football maneuver originated in the late 19th century. The term was first used to describe a type of kick that was used to advance the ball in a game of American football. This kick was typically made from a position behind the line of scrimmage, and it was usually used when the offense was unable to gain yardage by running or passing the ball.

The word "punt" in the sense of a bet originated in the 18th century. The term was originally used to describe a type of bet that was placed on a horse race. This bet was typically made against the bookmaker, and it involved predicting which horse would win the race.

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