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The Historical Origins Of The Term 'Alley-Oop'

Tony ManfredFeb 27, 2014, 20:29 IST

Nick Laham/Getty Images

From ESPN's broadcast last night's Clippers-Rockets game, the meaning of "alley-oop" (via @drewmagary):

"Derived from the French term 'Allez Hop!' The cry of a circus acrobat about to leap. Term first used in the 1950's by the NFL 49ers to describe a high, arcing pass that would out-leap smaller players for a touchdown."

Noted.

@drewmagary