Batsman or Batter

[Zinzan]

This debate was had in NZ cricketing circles about a decade ago when Cairns mentioned "batters' was the new term they'd all embraced. And who could question his credibility?

 

[weldone]

Ian Chappell hates the 'batter' term with a passion.

 

[Pratters]

Okay, according to the cricket dictionary,

Batter was formerly the more common term, but it was largely superseded by 'batsman' in the mid-19th century. It is still used occassionally in reference to male cricketers and quite frequently in reference to women players, who prefer this term (as well as the equally gender-neutral 'bat') to either batsman or the rather awkward 'batswoman'.

 

[honestbharani]

Which term do you prefer? I prefer batsman. Can't stand the use of the word "batter".

I often post batter as it is at times easier to type, esp. off the mobile, but....


Batsmen... Always, batsmen.. Batter is what we use to make idlis.

 

[Hooksey]

What is a batter?

Better still, what is a bater?

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Why is there a problem with batter when there isn't one with 'fielder'?

 

[NZTailender]

Why is there a problem with batter when there isn't one with 'fielder'?

It's part of an elite cricketing conspiracy to showcase batters as the premier player of the game and to relegate everyone else to a lesser standing.

 

[vic_orthdox]

Being promoted by Cricket Australia due to being a gender neutral term.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

It refers to Man the species in being short for Mankind. They could of course change Mankind to Terkind.

 

[Hooksey]

Why is there a problem with batter when there isn't one with 'fielder'?

I think the initial negativity to the term was because it was seen as just another Americanism finding its way into our sports..