love

tennis

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June 30, 2026

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In tennis, "love" signifies a score of zero. This usage is thought to originate from the French word "l'oeuf," meaning "egg," due to the resemblance of an egg to the written figure 0. Another prevailing theory suggests "love" derives from the expression "to play for love," implying a player is participating for the enjoyment of the game rather than for points or monetary stakes. This concept aligns with the origin of the word "amateur," from the Latin "amare" (to love). The scoring progression in tennis, from love to 15, 30, and 40, is of medieval origin, with the reason for 40 instead of 45 remaining unclear.12

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Jargon
…tennis scores use the sequence love, 15, 30, 40, and game; cricketers verbally appeal to the umpire when a batsman may be out by calling “How’s that?” and the ways of being out are designated by stereotypes, “run out,” “leg before wicket,” “stumped,” and so forth.
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…tennis scores use the sequence love, 15, 30, 40, and game; cricketers verbally appeal to the umpire when a batsman may be out by calling “How’s that?” and the ways of being out are designated by stereotypes, “run out,” “leg before wicket,” “stumped,” and so forth.
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tennis
Principles of play
…generally referred to as “love,” which is thought to be derived from l’oeuf, the French word for “egg.” The server’s score is called first; thus, 30–15 means that the server has two points to one, whereas 15–30 means that the receiver has two points to one. If both players…
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…generally referred to as “love,” which is thought to be derived from l’oeuf, the French word for “egg.” The server’s score is called first; thus, 30–15 means that the server has two points to one, whereas 15–30 means that the receiver has two points to one. If both players…
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