👉 The word "roller derby" refers to a form of competitive softball or baseball game in which teams dress as roller skates, use soccer balls, and play with a variety of rules based on their respective leagues. The term originated in England in 1869 from the French word "revue," meaning "race." In the early days, derby teams were often smaller than modern professional teams; today, it is considered one of the most popular sports across many countries, with more than 200,000 games played annually.