1. The "Ping-Pong" Company:
* In the late 19th century, a British company called J. Jaques & Son Ltd. marketed a table tennis set called "Ping-Pong."
* The company's marketing team is believed to have chosen the name because the sound of the ball hitting the table and the paddle resembled "ping-pong."
* This theory is supported by the fact that the term "ping-pong" was initially used as a brand name and later became the common name for the sport.
2. The "Whiff-Whaff" Theory:
* Another theory suggests that the term "ping-pong" arose from a different company that sold a similar game called "Whiff-Whaff."
* This theory claims that "ping-pong" was simply a shortened and more catchy version of "whiff-whaff."
* However, there is less evidence to support this theory.
Regardless of its exact origin, the term "ping-pong" quickly gained popularity and became the accepted name for the sport. It was officially adopted by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in 1926.
Today, "ping pong" is used as a synonym for table tennis worldwide.