The majority of present day supporters consider the name Pars to be a derivative of the shout "Paralytics" which has been the cry from the terracings during the all to often spells of indifferent form. Others have suggested that Athletic were a very physical team and "paralysed" their opponents by virtue of their rough play. Or is it because of the parrarell stripes on our strips.
No matter which may be the correct reason for the Pars, each theory has its exponents who are convinced that theirs is right. Few seem to agree and some solutions sound decidedly fishy - like the suggestion that the team were named after young salmon - parr- which have black and white stripes. What is clear though is that the nickname has borne the test of time and vastly changing fortunes.
Interesting teasers at the start had me hooked if you par-don the pun. But would it not be fair to suggest that the name comes from being average, never above or below par?
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