Cricket is either a small insect that makes chirping sounds at night or a bat-and-ball sport popular in countries like England, India, and Australia. The meaning depends on the context.
The insect name likely comes from Old French *criquet*, imitating the chirping sound. The sport name probably comes from Middle Dutch *kricke* “stick” or *krickstoel* “low stool,” referring to the bat or wicket.
The phrase “not cricket” in British English means “not fair,” showing how the sport became a symbol of honesty and good conduct. Meanwhile, the insect’s chirp is so regular that some cultures used it like a natural clock or weather signal.
Cricket has long been gendered as a male sport in many cultures, with men's cricket receiving far more funding, coverage, and prestige than women's cricket. Women's and girls' participation has grown despite structural barriers.
Use 'cricket' without defaulting to the men's game; specify 'women's cricket,' 'men's cricket,' or mixed formats when relevant, and avoid assuming players or fans are male.
Women cricketers have achieved high performance levels and helped professionalize the women's game, often with less recognition and pay than male counterparts.
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