The Language of Athletic Club (pt.7): Bacalao
The Language of Athletic Club (pt.7): Bacalao
Presenters on local radio station Radio Popular shout “bacalao” (cod) when Athletic score, not “gol”
Every football club has its own particular set of vocabulary, a glossary of terms that reflects its history and the pride of its fans. And in that sense Athletic Club is no different. However, the Club’s unique history in addition to the blend of Basque, Spanish and English has given Athletic’s vernacular a distinct flavour.
In this series, we briefly the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular Athletic Club terms.
Bacalao
If you were listening to an Athletic match on the radio while in Bilbao -specifically the station Radio Popular- you might be a bit surprised when the commentator screams “bacalao, bacalao, bacalao” instead of “gol, gol, gol”.
That’s right! At Athletic Club, goals are also known as ‘bacalaos’, the Spanish word for ‘cod’. For centuries, Basques were envied for their prowess as cod fishers. Dishes containing the fish are signature features of Bilbao and Biscay cuisine, with it being a staple on the menu of almost every bar and restaurant in the region.
Radio Popular’s Fede Merino first started using the word to celebrate Athletic goals back in 1984.
The expression was then further popularised by Radio Popular’s chief football commentator José Iragorri, the man who San Mamés’ press room is named after.
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