The Football Dictionary

A derogatory term used by rival fans to describe a traditionally big club who is currently a laughing stock. This could be a club that has gone years without winning anything (Everton since 1995), a chaotic ownership that churns through managers and players with no clear plan (Chelsea), or a previous giant that can't find that winning formula they once dominated with (Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson). See also, Spursy...

The ‘Big Six’ is an informal term that is used to describe the biggest clubs in the English Premier League. In the 2000s there was a big 4 of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. In the 2010s they were joined by Manchester City and Tottenham. They are traditionally the most successful clubs, have large fanbases, and generate most of the revenue for the entire league between the 6 clubs. Some people might say that Tottenham shouldn’t be a ‘Big Six’ club due to their Spursy nature.

The temporary entitlement of fans of a winning team over the opposing set of fans after a victory in a big match. Often associated with derby matches and historical rivalries, a win for one team gives their fans bragging rights over their rivals until the next time they meet. It gives fans the chance to 'banter' through chants such as 'this city is ours' or 'can we play you every week'?.

A phrase typically used to describe teams who have nothing to play for in the last few matches of the season. They are already thinking of their summer holidays, and are mentally on the beach. Mid table, safe from relegation and can't compete for the title or European places. Teams on the beach may lose some intensity, with players going through the motions and thinking of their summer holidays.

When two rival teams, typically from the same town, city, or geographical region play each other. It is usually the biggest match of the season for both sets of fans, with 'banter' expected between fans who may have friends, family members, or colleagues that support the rival side.

A rare event. An Olimpico is a goal scored directly from a corner kick, without any other player touching the ball on its way into the net. The term ‘Olimpico’ originated from a goal that Argentinian player Cesareo Onzari scored direct from a corner kick in a match against Uruguay in 1924. Uruguay were the reigning Olympic Champions at the time.

Often heard by commentators during big European, international or nighttime domestic fixtures during midweek, ‘Under the Lights’ is a term that refers to matches played under artificial floodlights. When compared to regular weekend, daytime matches, ‘Under the lights’ is used to describe the big-match feeling and excitement that accompany such matches and the bright lights and colours that are on show.

A way of rating overhead kicks by comparing them to Trevor Sinclair's famous effort for QPR against Barnsley in the 1997 FA Cup. Sinclair's volley was hit from outside the box, and flew into the back of the net. It's the gold standard. So when someone pulls off a bicycle kick, you place it on the Sinclair Spectrum to judge how good it actually was. Popularised by Max Rushden on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast.

When a lower league or underdog team knocks out a much bigger club, usually in a cup competition, particularly synonymous with the FA Cup. The smaller team has nothing to lose, give absolutely everything for 90 minutes, and the favourites often look like they can't be bothered. Home advantage at a tight, hostile ground helps too.

Used to describe Tottenham Hotspur's tendency to collapse. If a team is in a strong position and finds a way to throw it away, that would be Spursy. Things like bottling a title race, a late defensive error, or a general inability to get over the line in big moments. Other clubs choke too, but Spurs somehow made it part of their identity.