We understand the concept of a <I><B>ringer</B></I> in sports. If an 11-year old golfer misrepresents his age to enter a tournament for boys 10 and under, he has an unfair advantage, and he is a <I>ringer.</I><BR><BR>But I'd like your input on a usage question that arose while preparing a future theme. The dictionary definitions seem to be to be a bit off. Without consulting a dictionary, take a look at the two cases listed below, and two more listed <A HREF="http://wordcraft.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=441607094&f=932607094&m=134109548&r=134109548#134109548" TARGET=_blank>here</A>. In which of them would you say that there's a <I>ringer?</I><BR><BR>#1: Athletes who use certain steroids are barred from the Olympics. A steroid-user participates anyway, hoping to hide his use. Is he a <I>ringer?</I><BR><BR>#2: Boys from various nearby towns compete in football. Each town's team is supposed to be composed solely of boys who live in that town. But one team puts on its roster a skilled player who lives elsewhere. Is he a <I>ringer?</I>Yes, in each caseNo, in each caseYes to #1; No to #2No to #1; Yes to #2

I don't think that taking steroids makes you a "ringer." It is just illegal.

I don't know the age-related meaning of the word. A ringer is somebody you have in your team pretending to be a member when they aren't.

Michael Quinion's World Wide Words site has an article on etymology of this word. Unfortunately he is rather imprecise on its current meaning.