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What is the origin of the term "love" in tennis scoring?

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The term "love" in tennis scoring is believed to have originated from the French word "l'oeuf," which means "the egg." This term was used because a zero score in tennis resembles a small circular egg shape. Over time, "l'oeuf" evolved into "love."
In addition to the French origin of "love" in tennis scoring, there are also theories that suggest it may have come from the Dutch word "lof," meaning praise or honor. Another possibility is that it stems from the English phrase "to play for love," which means playing a game for nothing or without wagering money. Regardless of its exact origin, the term "love" has become ingrained in tennis culture and is widely used worldwide to indicate a score of zero.

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