the meaning of "bat"

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,


If I just say, "I want a new bat." What kind of bat do you think of?

My guess is that it depends on what kind of sport I play. If I'm a baseball player, it's a baseball bat; if I'm a table tennis player, it's a bat used for table tennis.

Thank you!

OP

 

[tedtmc]

Yes, that should be a bat for playing games.

not a teacher

 

[Rover_KE]

Hi, OP,

If I just say, "I want a new bat." What kind of bat do you think of?

My guess is that it depends on what kind of sport I play. If I'm a baseball player, it's a baseball bat; if I'm a table tennis player, it's a bat used for table tennis.

OP

That's right. If you say it to a friend, he'll know what sport you play.

If you say it to a total stranger you pass in the street, he might say 'Cricket, baseball or table tennis?'

Or perhaps more likely 'And I should care because. . . ? or 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.'

Rover

 

[Raymott]

Dear all,


If I just say, "I want a new bat." What kind of bat do you think of?

OP

There are a few other possibilities.
I thought immediately of 2. and 4. of the following:
Urban Dictionary: bat

 

[BobK]

Dear all,


If I just say, "I want a new bat." What kind of bat do you think of?

My guess is that it depends on what kind of sport I play. If I'm a baseball player, it's a baseball bat; if I'm a table tennis player, it's a bat used for table tennis.

Thank you!

OP

The speaker's habitual sport is a clue, but no more than that. If Roger Federer said he was going to buy a new bat, it wouldn't be a tennis racquet.

b

 

[emsr2d2]

The speaker's habitual sport is a clue, but no more than that. If Roger Federer said he was going to buy a new bat, it wouldn't be a tennis racquet.

b

I would sincerely hope Roger Federer would never refer to his racquet as a bat!!!!! :-D