jock

A jock is a person who participates in sports or places a high emphasis on athletic ability. In common usage, the term often refers to male athletes or to people perceived as physically fit or sports-focused. It can be used neutrally to describe someone’s interests, or pejoratively to stereotype or tease someone as being overly involved in athletics. The idea behind the word can extend to “jock culture,” which encompasses school or college sports environments, team camaraderie, and competition.

Etymology and usage vary. The slang term “jock” is generally considered a shortened form of broader athletic slang and is associated with athletes and sports culture in North American English from the early 20th century. The word also functions as a shorthand for the jockstrap, the protective undergarment worn by male athletes to support the genitals; this garment typically features a waistband, a contoured pouch, and leg straps, and many sports use cup protections inserted for additional safety.

In popular culture, jocks are frequently portrayed as physically strong, team-oriented competitors, a stereotype that influences media depictions and social dynamics in educational and athletic settings. While the term is most often applied to men, usage can vary by community, and athletes of different genders may be described using broader terms such as athlete or sports player where appropriate. Related concepts include athleticism, sports culture, and the broader social hierarchy surrounding school and community sports.