Hello from NC!
While the term is used daily by roofers, its exact origin is actually a bit of a historical mystery. There is no single âofficialâ reason, but etymologists and architectural historians generally point to three likely theories.
1. The Dutch âWedgeâ Theory (Most Likely)
The most plausible linguistic origin is the Dutch word âkriek,â which means a âcornerâ or a âwedge.â Because a roof cricket is a wedge-shaped structure built to divert water away from the corner where a chimney meets the roof, it is highly probable that the term evolved from this functional description.
2. The Low Stool Theory
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a âcricketâ was a common term for a small, low wooden stool (often with three legs to stay steady on uneven floors).
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The Connection: Early roofers may have named the structure after these stools because a roof cricket looks like a small, low-standing wooden frame âsittingâ on the roof.
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The âSaddleâ Link: This theory is supported by the fact that the other common name for a roof cricket is a saddle, another object designed to be sat upon or placed across a ridge.
3. The Visual Resemblance
A simpler theory is purely physical: the triangular, peaked shape of the structureâespecially when viewed from the sideâvaguely resembles the bent legs or the hunched back of a cricket.
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Question 3: Like the cricket example, this question depends on a certain amount of familiarity with materials and assemblies. What study strategy do you recommend to prepare for these kinds of questions on the exam?
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thank you!