How Do You Spell PICKOFF?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪkɒf] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "pickoff" is straightforward when we understand its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈpɪkˌɒf/. The word is composed of two syllables, with primary stress on the first and secondary stress on the second. The "p" sound is a voiceless bilabial plosive, followed by the "ɪ" (short "i") vowel sound, and the "k" sound, which is a voiceless velar plosive. The second syllable "off" goes like /ɒf/, with a short "o" sound and the voiceless bilabial fricative "f" at the end.

PICKOFF Meaning and Definition

1. Pickoff is a noun that is primarily used in sports terminology, particularly in baseball and American football. In baseball, pickoff refers to an action where a pitcher makes a quick throw to a fielder positioned near a base to attempt to catch or stop a baserunner from advancing further. This maneuver is executed in an effort to pick off or eliminate the baserunner's chance of stealing a base or gaining a strategic advantage. In American football, pickoff refers to an interception, where a defensive player catches a pass intended for an opponent's receiver, thus turning over the possession of the ball to their own team.

   In both baseball and American football, a successful pickoff can significantly alter the game's momentum and can be a valuable defensive tactic. It requires precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategy, often involving careful observation of the runner's movements or the quarterback's intentions. However, pickoffs can also carry risks, as a failed attempt may result in an error or allow the baserunner or receiver to gain an advantage for their team.

   Outside of sports, the term pickoff can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of removing or eliminating someone or something with precision or suddenness, similar to the way a baserunner is swiftly taken out by a pickoff play.

Common Misspellings for PICKOFF

• -pick off
• pik off
• pick of
• 0ickoff
• puckoff
• pjckoff
• pkckoff
• pockoff
• p9ckoff
• p8ckoff
• pixkoff
• pivkoff
• pifkoff
• pidkoff
• picjoff
• picmoff
• picloff
• picooff
• picioff
• pickiff

Etymology of PICKOFF

The word "pickoff" has its origins in baseball terminology. It is a compound word formed from the combination of "pick" and "off".

The term "pick" in baseball refers to the act of catching or picking up a ball that is hit or thrown towards the fielder. When a fielder catches a batted ball before it touches the ground, it is known as a "pick" play.

The term "off" refers to taking someone out or away from a base. In the context of baseball, it is typically used to describe a defensive player removing a baserunner from the base before they reach the next base or return to the previous one.

When combined, "pickoff" specifically refers to the act of a defensive player successfully removing a baserunner from the base by quickly throwing the ball to a fielder near the base before the runner can return safely.