Derbies

[BaselBantam]

So why are derby games called derbies?

[panther]

In many countries the term local derby, or simply just derby (pronounced 'dur-bee' in American English and 'dar-bee' in British English after the city of Derby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derby)) means a sporting fixture between two (generally local) rivals, particularly in association football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football).

The phrase may have originated from an all-in football game (Royal Shrovetide Football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Shrovetide_Football)) contested annually between the two halves of the English town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashbourne,_Derbyshire). This match has been and still is played on Shrove Tuesday (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday)

omg I just went all baldylocks... :eek:

[billybantam]

From a recent copy of fourfourtwo, which i remember reading


The origins of the word 'derby' are derived from horse racing. The Epsom Derby stakes, whcih was first run in 1780 and named after the 12th Earl of Derby, became established as the high point of the racing season. By the 20th Century, 'derby' came to be applied to a fixture between two local sides.

Doesn't explain why though...

[Kop Kred]

From a recent copy of fourfourtwo, which i remember reading



Doesn't explain why though...

Since the first horse race of the same name, Derby has been used as a term for any type of sporting event.. we have, over the years, shortened 'local derby' to just 'derby'