clutch

Meme Generator

The word clutch is found in Middle English, meaning “to grasp something tightly,” especially in one’s metaphoric clutches, or “claws.” A woman’s clutch bag, or clutch, is recorded in the 1940s. It’s a small, usually strapless purse she must clutch to carry.

The slang modifier clutch, for “done well in a crucial situation,” appears to originate in sports, particularly baseball. A sports clutch, in noun form, is a high-pressure moment that can determine the outcome of a game. This dates back to at least the 1920s and is metaphorical, i.e., the moment at which something has or is in something’s clutch, or “grip” or “control.”

As Life magazine memorably used the term in 1951: “And when it came to the clutch, Johnny Mize, who was washed up five years ago, would crack out a pinch double, or Mickey Mantle, who is not yet ready for the big leagues, would slam out a home run.” Moments can be clutch, as can players, plays, or calls—they all make a difference at key points in a game, especially near the end.

Sports Illustrated

Clutch evolved in the 1980–90s to mean something that happened exactly where and when you needed it, e.g., coming in clutch. Such a thing is extremely desirable, and so by extension, clutch came to mean “excellent” or “effective” more generally.

LeBron James to all his haters right now. 😂 pic.twitter.com/hnmJvSVTph

— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) April 26, 2018