# tiki taka

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tiki-taka
Updated: 2026-07-26

## Definition

a style of playing football that uses short, quick passes to keep the ball away from the other team.

For teachers: a tactical style of play in association football characterized by short passing and movement, working the ball through various channels, and maintaining possession.

## Examples

- The team won the match by playing perfect tiki taka.
- Spanish football became famous worldwide for its tiki taka style during their dominant run in international tournaments.
- While critics argue that tiki taka can become sterile possession without penetration, its proponents view it as the ultimate expression of technical superiority and collective discipline.

## Usage notes

- usually functions as an uncountable noun or an adjective to describe a style of play.
- Teaching tip: this is a loanword from Spanish; use it to discuss how specialized vocabulary from sports or culture enters the English language.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.