southpaw

noun

Etymology: From south + paw. First attested in 1813. Originating from 19th-century ballparks often oriented with the batter facing east to avoid the afternoon sun, placing a left-handed pitcher's arm on the south side. However, earlier usage suggests it may stem from 1840s boxing slang for a left-handed punch. For Baseball: * Early 19th-century ballparks were often built with home plate on the west side and the pitcher's mound on the east to prevent the sun from being in the batter's eyes. Consequently, a left-handed pitcher's arm would be facing the southern side of the diamond. For Boxing: * Evidence suggests the term existed before baseball, being used in the 1840s to describe a left-handed punch or "paw" in boxing. A 1848 political cartoon described a "south paw" blow in this context.

1. One who is left-handed, especially in sports.

   “Never touch the food until your host has said grace ("Bismillah") and then not till he has told you to. Eat only with your right hand—it is considered very rude to use the left, even if you are a southpaw.”

2. One who is left-handed, especially in sports.

   “Since home plate is generally in the southwest corner to avoid glare in the batter's eyes, a southpaw's pitching hand is to the south.”

   “Eleanor would pitch, probably southpaw. Rosalind was outfield, wonderful hitter, Clara first base, maybe.”

3. One who is left-handed, especially in sports.