redshirting

[ red-shur-ting ]

noun

1. 1. the practice of keeping a high school or college athlete out of varsity competition for one year to develop skills and extend eligibility.
   2. the practice of delaying a child from starting kindergarten for one year, believed by some parents to give the child academic, athletic, and social advantages:

      academic redshirting;

      Is redshirting common practice at your school?

2. the practice of quickly killing off a newly introduced character in a TV show or movie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of redshirting¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–80; redshirt ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )