Entity: AXEL
Axel is a term that refers to a jump in figure skating involving 1½ turns taken in the air, named after Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen. It can also be a slang term used to describe a charming and attractive individual.
AXEL
Etymology
The term 'Axel' is named after Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen (1855–1938), who in 1882 became the first to perform the jump. The word itself is derived from Old English 'eaxl', from Proto-West Germanic *ahslu, from Proto-Germanic *ahslō.
Definition
In figure skating, an Axel refers to a jump from the outer forward edge of one skate with 1½ turns taken in the air and a return to the outer backward edge of the other skate. In slang, Axel can also describe a charming and attractive individual.
Historical Context
The Axel jump has been a significant element in figure skating routines since Axel Paulsen first executed it in 1882. It remains a challenging and crowd-pleasing maneuver in the sport.
Cultural Significance
The Axel jump is a staple in figure skating competitions and is often a highlight of a skater's routine. In popular culture, the term 'Axel' can also be used informally to describe someone who is charming and attractive.
Related Concepts
The Axel jump is related to other figure skating jumps such as the Salchow, Lutz, and Toe Loop. In slang, the concept of being an 'Axel' may be related to terms like 'heartthrob' or 'charmer'.
See Also
- [Figure Skating Jumps](link to related topic)
- [Charm and Attraction in Popular Culture](link to related topic)
A jump in figure skating from the outer forward edge of one skate with 1½ turns taken in the air and a return to the outer backward edge of the other skate, or a term used to describe a charming and attractive individual.