The word “varsity” is something we constantly hear at this time of year, and it has become synonymous with Oxford sport over the years, generally bringing the Boat Race to mind. But the term can refer to any match-up between Oxford and Cambridge, whether it be powerlifting and polo, or triathlon and touch rugby. But where does the term “varsity” come from, and how has its meaning evolved? I’ll explore the term’s history and meaning, its transformation from student slang to sporting phenomena, and what it means for this year’s fixtures.
“Varsity” as a term has historical origins as a shortened form of “University”, and its first recorded use was in the 17th century. It was originally slang used by students, very similar to how we use “uni” now. The term was first used to refer to sport in the 19th century (the Oxford English Dictionary marks it as the year 1846), and “Varsity match” became a recognised phrase.
Varsity fixtures aren’t just for university students though, and many also hold historical significance within their sports. For example, the Oxford University Australian Rules Football Club (OUARFC) is not only one of the oldest Varsity clubs at Oxford, but is also one of the oldest Australian Rules Football (AFL) clubs outside of Australia. Croquet Cuppers also serves as “the largest croquet competition in the world”. The most famous event of the Varsity Series is undoubtedly the Boat Race, which attracts over 250,000 spectators along the Thames every year and is watched by millions on TV (perhaps courtesy of its two-and-half-hour-long coverage on the BBC).
Some rivalries are closer than others. The annual Varsity rugby match, first played in 1872, draws thousands of spectators and is incredibly close historically, with the all-time men’s series at 65-62 (with 14 draws). Despite its long history, the Varsity Series is continually evolving, now expanding to include newer sports like eSports, mixed martial arts, and powerlifting.
So why is the etymology relevant? It’s important to consider how having a deeper understanding of the term changes how we view these events. The Varsity Series is a link to tradition—the term has been used for centuries, and therefore, these fixtures are far more than student events—they are part of history. Competing as a Blue comes with prestige and responsibility, and understanding the meaning of the term can help to add greater meaning to the experience and your own relationship with the competition! The largest takeaway from this article is that you shouldn’t view Varsity events as exclusive—you can play whichever role you choose. Originally, it only applied to elite competitions, but today, it includes newer and more accessible sports that help students see it as an evolving, changing tradition that includes more people than ever. They’re not even just for current students—Varsity events allow alumni to reconnect with friends and memories, and understanding the history behind the term can help everyone to appreciate its significance.
So what have we got to look forward to? Many Varsity fixtures have already happened, but there’s still plenty more to see! Most notably, as previously explored, is the Boat Race, which is taking place on 13 April this year, and we are all hoping Oxford’s rowers can reclaim victory after Cambridge’s dominant performance last year. The Varsity rugby match last weekend (8 March) was a key feature for the Dark Blues, especially after Cambridge’s dominant performance in both the men’s and women’s matches last year, and The University Match (T20) will be taking place at Lord’s on 9 May, amongst many other exciting events.
So there you go! Varsity is more than a word—it’s a tradition that can connect generations of students, whether it be on the river or the pitch. Our beloved Oxford-Cambridge rivalry continues to evolve as different sports at the university become more popular.