Pronunciation: [ðə skwˈɒd] (IPA) 
The spelling of "the squad" follows standard English spelling rules. "The" is pronounced /ðə/ (thuh) and spelled accordingly. "Squad" is pronounced /skwɑd/ (skwahd) and follows the common spelling pattern for words containing "qu". The "u" is silent and "a" makes the /ɑ/ sound. Together, the two words form a commonly used phrase in team sports and military settings, referring to a cohesive group working towards a common goal.
The squad refers to a group of individuals who share a common purpose or goal and typically work together as a cohesive unit. This term is often used to describe a tightly knit team or a small group of people who form an alliance or partnership.
In popular culture, "the squad" has gained significant usage and recognition in various contexts. One prominent use of the term is in sports, particularly team-based sports like basketball, soccer, or football. It refers to the players who are actively playing in a game or match, representing their team and collaborating to achieve victory. The squad in sports is often composed of skilled athletes who possess different talents and roles, working together to accomplish a shared objective.
Moreover, "the squad" has also gained traction as a term to describe a close-knit group of friends or peers. This definition portrays a group of individuals who share similar interests, values, and often spend a lot of time together supporting and understanding one another.
In recent years, "the squad" has also been used to refer to a specific group of politicians. This term gained popularity when it was used to describe a group of progressive Democratic congresswomen in the United States. These individuals formed a cohesive alliance and advocated for social justice and progressive policies. The term "the squad" in this context signifies a collective voice of politicians who share specific ideologies and goals.
Overall, "the squad" can refer to various groups of individuals, each sharing a distinct purpose or focus, be it in sports, friendship, or politics.
The word "squad" originated from the Old Italian word "squadrare", which meant "to square". In the 16th century, the term was used to refer to a square-shaped military formation. Over time, it evolved to denote a small group of soldiers assigned to carry out specific tasks within a larger unit. From military usage, the term was extended to sports teams, police units, and other organized groups.
"The Squad" specifically refers to a term used in American politics to describe a group of four progressive congresswomen elected to the United States House of Representatives: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib. The term gained prominence in 2019 when President Donald Trump used it in a tweet referring to them. The name has since been adopted by the group itself and the media to reference this particular group of politically aligned representatives.
