Pronunciation: [dˈʌkpɪnz] (IPA) 
The word "duckpins" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈdʌk.pɪnz/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, followed by a "k" sound and then the "p" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the "nz" combination is pronounced like the final sound in the word "pins". Duckpins is a type of bowling that uses smaller pins and a smaller ball than traditional bowling.
Duckpins refers to a variant of bowling that originated in the United States. It involves the use of smaller pins and balls compared to traditional tenpin bowling. The term "duckpins" specifically denotes the type of pins used in this game.
In duckpins, the pins utilized are cylindrical in shape and shorter in stature than regular bowling pins. They stand approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm) tall, and their diameter at the base is around 4.75 inches (12 cm). The pins have no tapered neck, making them even across their entire height. This characteristic renders them more challenging to knock down compared to standard bowling pins.
Similarly, the ball used in duckpins is also smaller and lighter in weight. It typically has a solid rubber composition, measuring about 4.75 inches (12 cm) in diameter and weighing around 3 pounds 12 ounces (1.7 kg). The compact size of the ball makes it more difficult to control, thereby creating an additional element of challenge in the game.
Duckpins is predominantly played in specific regions of the United States, such as the New England states, the mid-Atlantic, and parts of Canada. The scoring system for duckpins is also distinct, with players awarded points based on the number of pins knocked down per roll. This scoring system, along with the unique size and shape of the pins and ball, distinguishes duckpins from other forms of bowling.
The word "duckpins" is believed to have originated from the fusion of two separate terms: "ducks" and "pins".
The term "ducks" refers to the short and chubby shape of the pins used in the game. These pins resemble the waddling motion of ducks, which inspired the name. "Ducks" were commonly used to describe objects or animals that were small and pudgy, hence the association with the short and stout pins used in duckpin bowling.
The term "pins" is straightforward, referring to the objects used in the game that players aim to knock down by rolling a ball.
Over time, the combination of "ducks" and "pins" transformed into the word "duckpins" to describe this particular variation of bowling.
