[Posh Bloke]

Why are Great Britain's athlete's referred to in this way? You don't hear (well I haven't anyhow) Team Germany or Team USA being used.
Even the commentator on the 1st match refers to New Zealand and Team Gee Bee. Why not Team NZ?
Are we too ashamed to even say the words Great Britain these days?

[ollie1004]

It's a turn of phrase that was coined during the Athens Olympics in 2004 for some reason unbeknownst to me, just caught on I guess. I like it. I don't think it offends anyone to be honest, nothing to do with shame etc. x

[Department_S]

Originally Posted by Posh Bloke

Why are Great Britain's athlete's referred to in this way? You don't hear (well I haven't anyhow) Team Germany or Team USA being used.
Even the commentator on the 1st match refers to New Zealand and Team Gee Bee. Why not Team NZ?
Are we too ashamed to even say the words Great Britain these days?

You have never heard the phrase Team USA?? Aw come on where have you been?

http://www.teamusa.org/

[Posh Bloke]

Ah, so we copied the USA then? That figures..

[HarrisonMarks]

Team Bee Gee are sadly short of manpower this year.

[Mandark]

Originally Posted by Posh Bloke

Ah, so we copied the USA then? That figures..

I'm pretty sure that this whole Team XXXX phrase thing is American in origin. I think even families use it eg "Team Poindexter"

[roland rat]

Originally Posted by Posh Bloke

Why are Great Britain's athlete's referred to in this way? You don't hear (well I haven't anyhow) Team Germany or Team USA being used.
Even the commentator on the 1st match refers to New Zealand and Team Gee Bee. Why not Team NZ?
Are we too ashamed to even say the words Great Britain these days?

lets hope no one miexes it up and says...Team Bee Gee

[Opaque]

Maybe their own nations tv shows DO call them that?

[Mandark]

Originally Posted by roland rat

lets hope no one miexes it up and says...Team Bee Gee

There was a camp Bee Gees lookalike threesome on the TV news in Cardiff with that name and outfits.