Jock

What kind of person is a jock?

An athlete

A "jock" is an athlete, often highlighting a stereotype that combines physical prowess with a lack of intellectual depth. Originating in American high schools and colleges, the term refers to a sports-obsessed individual, typically male, who prioritizes athletics over academics. While some may use it in a neutral or even positive light, others employ it with a negative connotation, implying that the person is more brawn than brains.

The term jock stems from the 20th-century "jockstrap," an essential piece of athletic gear, reinforcing the association with sports. In popular culture, jocks often appear as the charismatic but sometimes clueless characters in teen movies and TV shows, adding to the stereotype.

Example

did you see jim's new gym routine video?
yeah, he's such a jock, always showing off his muscles!
Stereotypical jock walking the halls of his high school
Stereotypical jock walking the halls of his high school

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Updated February 18, 2026

Jock definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the slang term "Jock" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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