Posterized

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See also the image-editing technique posterization

North American slang (exact origin unknown) derived from an action in the game of basketball, in which the offensive player "dunks" (see slam dunk) over a defending player in a play that is spectacular and athletic enough to warrant reproduction in a printed poster. The term is also derisive in that when a defending player is "posterized" - he or she is considered to have been humbled, shamed, and exposed as less athletic.

It is speculated that the term first originated during the time of NBA Hall-of-Famer Julius Erving, whose explosive style of play gave rise to many commentators shouting "poster" after every dunk he made over a defender. The catch-phrase was popularized by Stuart Scott of ESPN's SportsCenter while narrating highlights of NBA games.

One of the best-known examples of a player being posterized is found in the 2000 Summer Olympics where Vince Carter, playing for the United States' olympic basketball team, "dunked" over 7'2" Frederic Weis of France during a game. Another well-known example was Michael Jordan hitting The Shot over Craig Ehlo to help his Chicago Bulls win a series-clinching playoff game over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The term is also used infrequently to describe dramatic events in other sports.