Do You Speak Football? - 2nd Edition by Tom Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

"To speak football is to speak a language of a thousand tongues... In this ground-breaking global glossary of football words and phrases, you'll discover the rich, quirky and joyously creative language used by fans, commentators and players across the world. From placing a shot 'where the owl sleeps' in Brazil, to what it means to use your 'chocolate leg' in the Netherlands, via Wembley-Tor - a phrase adopted by Germans to describe a dubious goal this comprehensively researched book will entertain and inform in equal measure. Discover the unfortunate Finnish term for a holding midfielder, what it means when South Korean fans get nostalgic about a 'Leeds season' and why Dundee United supporters should keep their heads down in Nigeria. With over 700 terms from 89 countries (including 29 ways to describe a nutmeg), this is the definitive guide to the global language of football."--Publisher description.

Book Synopsis

'At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world... Sparky and very funny' - Paul Hayward

'A reminder that there are few better means of celebrating both our differences and similarities than the game of football' - The Guardian

A new edition of an expertly compiled and utterly fascinating compendium of the weird and wonderful words and phrases used to describe football around the world.

In this revised glossary of football words and phrases, discover the rich, quirky and joyously creative global language used by fans, commentators and players.

From placing a shot 'where the owl sleeps' in Brazil, to what it means to use your 'chocolate leg' in the Netherlands, via 'Anglican' - a phrase adopted by Czechs to describe a disputed goal - and the now ubiquitous 'it's coming home', this comprehensively researched book entertains and informs in equal measure.

Discover why a 'café crème' is more than a classic bistro order, what it means when an Indian coach uses his 'brain weapon' and why Dundee United supporters should keep their heads down in Nigeria.

With over 750 terms from 89 countries (including 29 ways to describe a nutmeg), this is the definitive guide to the global language of football.

Review Quotes

"Funny, erudite, rich in detail and endlessly readable. Perfect for anyone who thinks they already know about the language of football." --Barney Ronay, The Guardian

"Sparky and very funny... At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world. The richness of the game's language shines through in this addictive glossary. " --Paul Hayward, Five-time Sports Journalists' Association Writer of the Year

"Amusing and informative in equal measure. Who knew Dundee United commanded such disdain in Nigeria?" --Oliver Kay, The Athletic

"Quirky, addictive, stuffed with anecdote, it's far more than a glossary... The writing is precise, light and often lovely. A treat." --Jonathan Northcroft, Sunday Times

"A fascinating and necessary work." --Jonathan Wilson, founder of The Blizzard

"Ein super Buch!" --Raphael Honigstein, The Athletic

"A wonderful, endlessly delightful book" --When Saturday Comes

"There are plenty of books about the language of football already, but surely not one like this: funny, informative and truly global." --11Freunde

"By reading this book, you will discover the complexity, the colour and the power of football's global language." --Clarence Seedorf

"A reminder that there are few better means of celebrating both our differences and similarities than the game of football." --The Guardian

About the Author

Tom Williams is a football writer and broadcaster who lives in London. Specialising in French and English football, he has had writing published by The Times, The Guardian, The Independent and The Athletic. He is the resident Premier League expert on the flagship French football programme Canal Football Club and a regular guest on the UK's leading football podcast, The Totally Football Show.

@tomwfootball #doyouspeakfootball