sports jock

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformaldisapproving

   A person who is very focused on sports and often seen as not interested in intellectual or cultural activities.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a sports jock' or 'sports jocks'.

   Patterns

   • a sports jock
   • be a sports jock

   He was a sports jock in high school, always at football practice.

   She's not just a sports jock; she also plays the violin.

   The movie portrays him as a typical sports jock who only cares about winning.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   A student athlete, especially one who is popular mainly because of sports.

   Grammar: Often used in school or college contexts.

   Patterns

   • college sports jock
   • high school sports jock

   The college sports jocks get special treatment from the coaches.

   He was a sports jock who struggled with his academic classes.

Word forms

Common combinations

typical sports jock

He fits the stereotype of the typical sports jock.

high school sports jock

She was a high school sports jock before her injury.

college sports jock

The college sports jock was offered a professional contract.

dumb sports jock

The film relies on the dumb sports jock cliché.

Synonyms and how they differ

athlete

Neutral and simply means someone who does sports; 'sports jock' often adds a disapproving tone.

jock

Shortened form, very informal and mainly American; can be offensive.

sporty person

British and neutral, focusing on enjoying sports rather than being stereotyped.

Opposites

Word family

jock noun

Informal, often disapproving term for an athlete or sports enthusiast.

Commonly confused: sports jock or jockstrap?

Practice

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