From a reader in the heart of Midlothian (Texas, that is): “Dear Sir, I am

a former football player (the American kind), and there is a peculiar method

of taping one’s ankles that is called spats or spatting; it is especially

popular with the skill players (running backs, wide receivers) who, truth be

told, are more concerned with a stylish appearance than mere injury

prevention. Normally, you would have your ankles taped before you put on

your socks and shoes and it would be invisible under the clothing.

’Spatting’ is the method where you have on your socks and cleats and then

have the trainer tape your ankles over the clothing. You would then have a

layer of fresh, beautiful white tape covering the upper surface of your

shoe. It’s very pretty, or so the little fellas seem to believe. As you may

have surmised, I am a lineman (like Marines, we are never former). I have

never had my shoes ’spatted.’ The trainers always

refused; they simply wouldn’t waste the time required on us lowly line

folk.”