yips

n. nervousness which interferes with precision playing, especially in golf; a case of nerves; the jitters. Subjects: English, Golf, Sports & Recreation

Editorial Note: Usu. with the definite article: the yips. Etymological Note: Golfer Sam Snead has been credited with coining this word, but while he certainly used it, no evidence has been found to support the claim.

Comments? | Cites | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Citations: 1937 Bill Braucher @ New York Hammond Times (Ind.) (July 3) “Tales in Tidbits” p. 9: Carl Hubbell says he got the “yips” so bad during his recent slump that he was walking into closed doors. 1940 Hutt Martin Nevada State Journal (Reno) (Aug. 11) “It’s Well Worth While to Practice on Getting Out of Golfing Trouble” p. 14: The grass between the ball and the blade will cause a bit of run so allow for it and practice this shot at least twenty times the next time you go out, not that you will perfect it that quickly but having practiced it—it won’t give you those mental yips the next time you’re in that spot. 1984 Jim Lassiter Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (June 15) “Moody a Winner On Seniors Tour Moody Finds New Life on Seniors Tour”: Putting always was hard, if not impossible, for Moody, who spent 14 years in the armed services. He had trouble with three-footers. He seldom had a clue on anything longer than six feet. He had what they call the “yips."…If you’re a golfer and you have the “yips,” you don’t have to be told what they are. You also don’t have to be told you’re in trouble. 2004 Barry Horn Dallas Morning News (July 3) “Rangers’ Bierbrodt tries to put shooting behind him”: After winning his first game against the Mariners on June 23, pitching six encouraging innings, Bierbrodt’s control looked lost again. In 1 2/3 innings Monday, he walked five batters. Once more, some misses could be measured in feet. In baseball, such misfiring is referred to as “yips.” They cost one-time Pittsburgh star Steve Blass his career. Most recently, St. Louis pitcher Rick Ankiel was afflicted with the yips in 2000.

Posted 6 Jul 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend