Skateboarding

/ˈskeɪtbɔrdɪŋ/ noun

Definition

A sport involving riding and performing tricks on a skateboard, a board with wheels attached. Combines elements of surfing, snowboarding, and gymnastics.

Etymology

Compound of 'skate' (from Dutch 'schaats') and 'board.' Skateboarding emerged in the 1940s-50s when California surfers attached roller skate wheels to boards, calling it 'sidewalk surfing.'

Kelly Says

Skateboarding was actually banned in many cities during the 1970s due to safety concerns, but this prohibition helped create its rebellious counterculture identity. The sport made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, marking its transformation from underground subculture to mainstream sport.

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