When did the term "Kit" replace the word "Uniform"?

bigmig19 wrote:

I think some in the US have been trying to fancy up the language lately. Maybe the rise of soccer?

Poiuyt wrote:

I've been following track and cross country since the mid 60s, but I had never heard anybody refer to what is worn during competition as a kit until a year or two ago. It was always called a uniform. Now I hear commentators constantly refer to a runner's "kit." Did something precipitate this change, or am I just out of the loop?

Frank Milton wrote:

I can’t keep up with the kids’ lingo. Just yesterday I went into the Fleet Feet and asked the lady where the jockey straps were located. The broad went hysterical on me. I’ll be getting my sneakers elsewhere for now on.

Proud American Daddy wrote:

This…. I’m fine with “kit,” but when my son told me that he needed new “boots” before the spring soccer season, I told him to wash his mouth out with soap.

Werd Smith wrote:

Does it matter what colorway it is?

Leslie Miserables wrote:

Proud American Daddy wrote:

This…. I’m fine with “kit,” but when my son told me that he needed new “boots” before the spring soccer season, I told him to wash his mouth out with soap.

Football boots isn't universal? What do you call them instead?

elduderino wrote:

Blokes use the term "kit". Yanks use "uniform". Just watch Chariots of Fire.

John Wesley Harding wrote:

Poiuyt wrote:

I've been following track and cross country since the mid 60s, but I had never heard anybody refer to what is worn during competition as a kit until a year or two ago. It was always called a uniform. Now I hear commentators constantly refer to a runner's "kit." Did something precipitate this change, or am I just out of the loop?

I think “kit” has been the popular term in Europe for decades, and has caught on more across the pond recently.

it\'s that simple wrote:

John Wesley Harding wrote:

I think “kit” has been the popular term in Europe for decades, and has caught on more across the pond recently.

Yup.

This has always been the terminology in England, and more recently among pretentious people in the US.

Signed, someone who has travelled.

Answwers wrote:

it\'s that simple wrote:

Yup.

This has always been the terminology in England, and more recently among pretentious people in the US.

Signed, someone who has travelled.

THIS ^ is THE answer. Period. A minor pretension, but a pretension no less.

Starting seeing it in the US (and on this site) somewhere between 10 and 20 years ago, I’d guess.