- I first heard this term being used when playing tennis games that involved the loser being served at with tennis balls. It was also used when someone was hit by accident with a tennis ball. This term has also been used when people are hit with other small sporting balls such as golf balls. Peg originally means to throw, but in the past few years, its definition has widened to also mean the act of hitting with or being hit by a ball.
peg
verb; other word formation type generalization
To hit someone with a ball, usually a tennis ball; to be hit by a ball.
Etymology : peg. Formed by generalization of peg, meaning throw.
Source : Friend in June 2005 “I accidentally pegged someone on the tennis court next to us.”
Last modified: 29 November 2008