BARMY ARMY Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "barmy army" refers to a group of extremely passionate and dedicated supporters of the England cricket team. It originated during the 1994-95 Ashes series in Australia when a group of English fans, known for their boisterous and eccentric behavior, began calling themselves the "Barmy Army." The name is a play on the phrase "army army" which highlights their commitment to follow and support the team like an army.
The Barmy Army is renowned for their unwavering support, humorous chants, and colorful costumes. Their main objective is to create an electric and lively atmosphere at cricket matches, both home and away, aiming to inspire and uplift their team. They are known for their witty and often tongue-in-cheek songs, which they sing throughout matches to entertain fellow supporters and taunt opposition players.
This dedicated group of cricket enthusiasts has gained a reputation for their unique style that blends humor, camaraderie, and an infectious enthusiasm for the game. Their presence and vocal support have become synonymous with England cricket matches, as they strive to bring a carnival-like atmosphere to the stands and energize both players and fellow fans.
Overall, the term "barmy army," when used in the context of cricket, refers to a passionate and spirited group of England cricket supporters who go above and beyond in their dedication to the team, creating an electric atmosphere at matches and adding to the overall experience of the game.
Etymology of BARMY ARMY
The term "Barmy Army" originated in the context of cricket, particularly associated with the English cricket team's supporters. The word "barmy" means crazy or mad, deriving from the noun "barm", which refers to the frothy foam that forms on the top of fermenting beer or ale. The components of the word have evolved over time. In Middle English, "barm" meant "yeast", derived from the Old English "beorma". Eventually, "barm" came to mean the froth or scum on the surface of fermenting liquor. Over the years, "barmy" took on the figurative sense of slightly eccentric or mad, hence the "Barmy Army" refers to cricket fans who are known for their enthusiastic and sometimes rowdy behavior.
