A 'gamecock' is a strong, colorful, and territorial type of
rooster, or
fowl, bred for
cockfighting.
Today, cockfighting, like most
blood sports, is illegal in most of the developed world. Exceptions exist, such as several of the
United States of America, much of
Central America,
South America and parts of
France.
The term is popular as a nickname for many U.S. athletic teams. For example the teams at the
University of South Carolina,
Jacksonville State University in
Alabama, Sumter High School (
Sumter, South Carolina) and Screven High School (
Sylvania, Georgia) use the name. A fighting cock is also the symbol for the UKs
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Also, the male sport teams of the
University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras are named ''"Gallitos"'' ("Little Roosters") after gamecocks.
'"Gamecock"' is sometimes used as a nickname for people who are considered fierce fighters. During the
American Revolution, General
Thomas Sumter earned the nickname in his battle against the
English forces in
South Carolina.
See also
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Rooster
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The Gamecock newspaper
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South Carolina Gamecocks
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Shamo
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Gamecock Media Group
External links
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University of South Carolina - Sports: Traditions: Nickname
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GameCock.com - Gamecock Links
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Gamecock publisher
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