Love






What is the origin of Love meaning nil in tennis scoring?


It seems to have been adapted from the phrase to play for love (of the game) that is to play for nothing. Although the theory is often heard that it represents the French word l'oeuf meaning an egg (from the resemblance between an egg and a nought) this seems unlikely.


But the cricketer's duck is another matter.


He who makes no runs at cricket said to be Out for a Duck. Why?





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