Yes, "love" is slang for zero, primarily within the context of tennis scoring.
While seemingly odd, the use of "love" to represent zero in tennis dates back to the late 1800s. The origin of the term is not definitively known, but several theories exist.
Possible Origins of "Love" for Zero in Tennis:
- "L'oeuf": One theory suggests that "love" is derived from the French word "l'oeuf," meaning "egg." An egg's shape resembles the numeral zero. It's speculated that British players adopted and anglicized the term.
- "Playing for love": Another theory suggests it comes from the idea of "playing for love," meaning playing for nothing (zero) or for the love of the game.
Tennis Scoring System:
The progression of points in tennis is also peculiar:
| Tennis Score | Equivalent Value |
|---|---|
| Love | 0 |
| 15 | 1 |
| 30 | 2 |
| 40 | 3 |
The jump from 40 to game, rather than progressing to 45 or 50, is another anomaly within the sport's scoring. Despite its unusual nature, the term "love" for zero has remained a standard part of tennis terminology for over a century.
In summary, "love" does indeed function as slang for zero, specifically within the scoring system of tennis. Its etymology is uncertain, but theories link it to the French word for egg or the concept of playing for nothing.
