Football position, informally (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: GOALIE (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Football position, informally" with 6 letters is "GOALIE".Goalie is an informal term for a goalkeeper, the player in football (soccer) whose primary role is to defend the goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring. As the last line of defense, the goalie plays a crucial role in a team's success, often requiring quick reflexes and strong decision-making skills.
Why “Goalie” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “football position, informally.” The answer, GOALIE, fits perfectly:
- Football position, informally: Goalie is a casual or shortened form of goalkeeper, the player responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring goals — directly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, goalie fits the clue’s enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The term refers specifically to the defending position in football (soccer), ice hockey, and similar sports, where the player stands in front of the goal to block shots.
The word goalie is an informal shorthand derived from the full term goalkeeper:
- Origin and usage: The term developed in late 19th‑century English, following the rise of organized football and hockey. By the early 1900s, goalie became a widely accepted casual term.
Contexts:
- Football/Soccer: The player positioned in front of the goal to catch, stop, or deflect the ball.
- Hockey and other sports: The athlete defending the goal area against incoming shots.
- Informal tone: Commonly used among fans, commentators, and players, while goalkeeper remains the formal version.
Examples:
- “The goalie made an incredible save in the final minute.”
- “Their goalie is known for his quick reflexes.”
- “Every team relies heavily on a confident goalie.”
In quick crosswords like “football position, informally (6)”, clues often rely on shortened or colloquial forms of well-known sporting terms:
- The inclusion of “informally” signals that the answer will not be the formal goalkeeper (10) but a casual synonym like goalie (6).
- Informal vocabulary hints are common — other examples include “ref” (for referee), “striker” (for forward), or “mid” (for midfielder in some contexts).
- Solvers can narrow down answers by focusing on word length and tone — goalie is both concise and colloquial.
