Subs

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A shortened form of a word or phrase used informally or colloquially in written or spoken language
2. A term often used to refer to a substitute, particularly in sporting or academic contexts
3. An abbreviation or alternative used to replace a standard term or concept in various contexts

Etymology: "Subs" is the plural of "sub", a clipped form of any of several words beginning with "sub-", such as "substitute", "submarine", or "subscription". The clipping is the whole story here: English speakers routinely shorten longer words, and "sub" is one of the most productive examples, so the plural "subs" can refer to a substitute player, a submarine sandwich, a subscription payment, or a subeditor, depending on context. In the sense given here, it means the players held in reserve on a sports team, who are brought on in place of a teammate.

Synonyms: substitutes, subscribers, subordinates, subsections, substances