Before this 2-word term came to mean a type of mysterious object, trapshooters used it to refer to their targets
The Final Jeopardy clue for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, appeared in the category “20th Century Phrases” and read: “Before this 2-word term came to mean a type of mysterious object, trapshooters used it to refer to their targets.” The clue points to a phrase that shifted in meaning over time, moving from a sporting context into popular culture, where it became closely associated with unexplained aerial phenomena.
What is “flying saucer”?
Before entering everyday language as something mysterious, the term “flying saucer” had a straightforward, literal use. In trapshooting, participants aim at small, disc-shaped clay targets that are launched into the air. These targets resemble flat, round dishes as they arc through the sky.
Because of their shape and motion, shooters informally described them as “flying saucers.” The phrase captured both the appearance of the targets and the way they moved when released. In this context, the term had no connection to science fiction or the unknown. It was simply a descriptive expression tied to a popular shooting sport.
The Shift in Meaning
The phrase took on a new and lasting meaning in the late 1940s, particularly after reports of unidentified flying objects began to gain attention in the United States. A widely reported 1947 sighting by pilot Kenneth Arnold described objects moving in a way he likened to saucers skipping across water. Media coverage soon popularized the term “flying saucer” to describe these sightings.
From that point on, the phrase became strongly linked with UFOs and extraterrestrial speculation. What had once been a casual sporting term evolved into a defining label for unexplained objects in the sky. This shift illustrates how language can change quickly when influenced by cultural events and media coverage.
Why This Clue Connects Both Meanings
The clue works by requiring recognition of both the original and later uses of the phrase. Knowing that trapshooting targets are disc-shaped provides the first step, while familiarity with mid-20th century UFO terminology completes the connection.
By asking about the term before it “came to mean a type of mysterious object,” the clue highlights the transformation in meaning. It rewards contestants who can trace the phrase back to its earlier, more literal usage while also understanding its place in modern culture.
A Phrase That Endured
“Flying saucer” remains one of the most recognizable terms associated with UFOs, even as other terminology such as “UFO” and “UAP” has become more common. Its origins in trapshooting are less widely known, which adds an extra layer of difficulty to the clue.
This Final Jeopardy prompt stands out for showing how a simple descriptive phrase can take on an entirely new identity. By linking sport, language, and popular culture, it provides a concise example of how meanings evolve over time.