2006-11-07 10:55:10 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Golf
Did the word "golf" originate as an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden"? That's a common old wives' tale. Or, in this case, more likely an old husband's tale.
No, "golf" is not an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden." If you've ever heard that, forget it immediately. Better yet, find the person who told you and let them know it's not true.
Like most modern words, the word "golf" derives from older languages and dialects. In this case, the languages in question are medieval Dutch and old Scots.
The medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve" meant "club." It is believed that word passed to the Scots, whose old Scots dialect transformed the word into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."
By the 16th Century, the word "golf" had emerged.
Don't believe anyone that says it stands for gentleman only, ladies forbidden. I did a whole report on the history of golf so I know.
2006-11-07 11:55:11 · answer #1 · answered by SG 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The sport of golf was invented in Scotland. It was a game played only by men at the time. "Golf" stands for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.
Women were not permitted to play!
2006-11-07 11:04:09 · answer #2 · answered by blondee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all the other four letter words were taken
2006-11-08 03:10:41 · answer #3 · answered by Dave R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋