Etymology

nickelback

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Today it means: A fifth defensive back (in addition to two cornerbacks and two safeties) who is deployed for additional pass coverage. Full definition →

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nickelback · noun1

Blend of nickel + cornerback. Modelled on quarterback: both the quarter (“25 cents”) and the nickel (“5 cents”) are American coins, though quarterback was not named for the coin. Coined due to the nickelback's role as the fifth defensive back on the field, thus the connection to the 5-cent nickel.

nickelback · noun2

From nickel + back.

Nickelback · noun3

From nickel + back. From having nickel atoms on the backbone structure.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.