'footballer' - is there a diminutive (shorter form)?

thlee   Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:07 pm GMT
Hi!

I wonder if there is a shorter, more informal word for 'footballer'.
Just like you have 'goalie' for goalkeeper...

Thanks for help :)
Damian in Edinburgh   Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:19 pm GMT
In the UK "footie" is the more usual abbreviation for "football" itself but I'm not sure if there is a similar short form for a "footballer" as such - apart from "footie player". You're right with the "goalie". In fact - you're on the ball.
thlee   Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:29 pm GMT
Yeah, whenever I want to say 'footballer', 'footie' comes to my mind but I know it's football, not footbaler. But still, 'footie player' sounds nicer to me than 'footballer' or 'football player'. Thanks :)
Guest   Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:54 pm GMT
In the US, the only acceptable word would be "soccer player".
Humour   Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:56 am GMT
>>In the US, the only acceptable word would be "soccer player".<<

I thought there was a difference in - between an egg and a ball? At least viewed to their shape! LMAO!!!
Lazar   Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:18 am GMT
In American English, the word "footballer" is not used in any context.

Here, a player of "soccer" (ie, association football) is a "soccer player", and a player of "football" (ie, American football) is a "football player".