etymology - Origin of the phrase "for the win"?


Just curious as to where "for the win" (commonly abbreviated FTW) originated?



Answer



Numerous internet sources, including a hotforwords video, claim that FTW, "for the win", originated with Hollywood Squares, a 1966-1981 US television show. It's likely that Hollywood Squares popularized the phrase, using it in show after show for 15 years, but I believe the true origin of it is in football or rugby. For example, after making a touchdown in football, a team faces the choice of kicking for 1 extra point (PAT) or running the ball in for 2 points. This can make the difference between tieing the game, vs. winning it; in the latter case, the team is said to "go for the win" (or to go for broke), both usages which far predates Hollywood Squares.


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