Deke

/dik/ noun

Definition

A deceptive move in hockey where a player fakes going one direction to move in another; a feint.

Etymology

Hockey slang derived from 'decoy,' shortened to 'deke' in Canadian English in the early 20th century. The term is primarily used in ice hockey and has become standard jargon in the sport.

Kelly Says

'Deke' is pure hockey culture—Canada even has 'deke' as a standard verb in ice hockey contexts, and it's one of the best examples of how sports create their own mini-languages that become completely normal to those who play them.

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