Newly Formed Sports Language Council Announces $500 Fine for Runners Who Use the Word ‘Hammy’
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The Sports Language Council, a newly formed group comprising editors, linguists, and representatives from the governing bodies of various sports, today gave runners a shot across the bow, announcing a fine of up to $500 for use of the word “hammy” as shorthand for “hamstring.”
The group’s mission, according to its website, is to “establish best practices for [language] usage among anyone discussing sports, from archery to wrestling, and to administer penalties for the worst offenders.”
Among those “worst offenders,” according to the SLC, are runners and other endurance athletes who use “hammy” to refer to their hamstrings, muscle groups along the back of the thigh.
“For decades, we have all endured hearing runners talk about their sore hammies, their hammy injuries, stretching their hammies, and so on,” the SLC statement said. “Today we announce a plan to reverse this unfortunate trend and, we hope, ultimately snuff it out.”
“Effective immediately, anyone who uses the word ‘hammy’ in this context will receive a written warning,” the SLC statement said. “Repeat offenders will get a fine of up to $500.”
The statement suggested it would find such offenders through “tips” provided via a website and a 24/7 hotline, though it was unclear how it would go about collecting any fines.
There will be an appeals process, the group said, and exceptions will be made for use of the word in other contexts.
“Fans of the Denny’s signature breakfast Moons Over My Hammy will not risk a fine when ordering or discussing their food,” the statement said.
“We are not unreasonable people.”
