The term "soccer" has an interesting etymological history that traces its origins back to the late 19th century in England. Contrary to what many believe, the word "soccer" did not originate in the United States but rather in England itself. Here's a brief overview of the word's origins:

1. Association Football: In the mid-19th century, various forms of football were played in England. These included rugby football and association football. Association football, as we know it today, was commonly referred to as just "football."

2. Abbreviation Trend: In the late 19th century, it was a common trend in England to abbreviate words by adding "-er" to the end. For example, "rugby football" was colloquially called "rugger."

3. Soc from Association:  The word "soccer" is believed to have originated from the term "association football." In slang, "association" was sometimes shortened to "assoc" or "soc," and then the "-er" suffix was added, resulting in "assoccer" or "soccer."

4. Oxford University Influence: Some sources suggest that the use of "soccer" was popularized by students at Oxford University. They would sometimes use "-er" to form playful nicknames for various sports. "Rugby football" became "rugger," and "association football" became "soccer."

5. Differentiation from Rugby: As rugby football and association football (soccer) gained popularity, there was a need to distinguish between the two. The adoption of "soccer" helped create a clear distinction between the two sports.

6. Global Spread: The term "soccer" was used in England for a considerable time. It eventually spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In many of these countries, "soccer" was used to refer to what is known as "football" in the United Kingdom.

It's important to note that the use of "soccer" declined in the United Kingdom in favor of "football" over the years. In most English-speaking countries outside of North America, "football" is the preferred term for the sport. However, "soccer" remains widely used in the United States and parts of Canada to differentiate it from American and Canadian football.

In summary, the word "soccer" has its roots in England and is an abbreviation derived from "association football." It was initially used to distinguish it from other forms of football, particularly rugby football, and later spread to other English-speaking countries, where it continues to be used today alongside "football."