Howler

How it is used

An informal, strongly critical word; use carefully when discussing an individual's performance.

Example sentences

1. The goalkeeper's howler gifted the visitors an early lead.

   The description blames an obvious mistake for a damaging result.

2. The defender admitted his howler after passing straight to the striker.

   The word also applies to an outfield player's serious error.

Common collocations

• goalkeeping howler
• costly howler
• commit a howler

Related terms

• goalkeeperThe player who defends the goal and is the only one allowed to handle the ball, but only inside their own penalty area.
• own goalA goal that a player accidentally scores into their own team's net, so it counts for the opponents.

More terms: Match Commentary Phrases

• equaliser
• hat-trick
• nil
• back of the net
• against the run of play
• commentator
• woodwork
• top bins
• screamer
• man on
• player of the match
• in the mixer