Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 27, 2026 is "southpaw." Southpaw is an informal term for a left-handed person. It is particularly common in sports like baseball and boxing. For example, a baseball team might have a southpaw pitcher with a formidable knuckleball. The term highlights a player's dominant hand in these athletic contexts. Historically, some of the greatest baseball players were identified as southpaws. One theory suggests the word originated from baseball field layouts, with pitchers facing west. However, this theory is questionable as early uses of "south paw" referred to the left hand generally. The word's meaning evolved over time. Initially, it simply meant the left hand, then a left-handed person, and eventually a left-handed pitcher.