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 evolved in meaning over time, shifting from a sporting context into one associated with unexplained aerial phenomena. The correct response hinges on recognizing that earlier, literal usage.

What is a flying saucer?

Before it became widely associated with unidentified objects in the sky, the term “flying saucer” had a practical use in shooting sports. In trapshooting, clay targets are launched into the air for participants to aim at and break. These targets, often called “clay pigeons,” have a flat, round shape that resembles a small disc.

Shooters informally referred to these airborne targets as “flying saucers” because of that distinctive shape. The phrase was descriptive rather than mysterious, grounded in the everyday language of the sport. This earlier usage is what the clue references, pointing to a time before the term took on a very different meaning.

The Shift to a Mysterious Object

The phrase entered popular culture in a new way in 1947, following reports by pilot Kenneth Arnold, who described seeing unidentified objects moving through the sky. Although Arnold did not specifically describe them as saucer-shaped, media coverage popularized the term “flying saucers” to describe what he saw.

From that point forward, “flying saucer” became closely tied to the idea of unidentified flying objects, or UFOs. The phrase took on a sense of mystery and speculation, moving far beyond its origins in sport shooting. It became a defining term in discussions of unexplained aerial sightings.

Cultural Impact of the Phrase

As the concept of flying saucers gained attention, it became embedded in 20th-century culture. Films, television, and literature frequently depicted saucer-shaped spacecraft, reinforcing the image in the public imagination. The phrase came to symbolize not just unidentified objects, but also broader ideas about extraterrestrial life and the unknown.

This cultural shift demonstrates how language can evolve rapidly. A simple descriptive term used in a sporting context transformed into one of the most recognizable phrases associated with mystery and science fiction. The clue draws on that transformation, asking contestants to trace the phrase back to its earlier meaning.

Why This Clue Is Effective

This Final Jeopardy clue works by combining word history with general knowledge of both sports and popular culture. It rewards those who recognize that many familiar terms have origins that differ from their modern usage. The reference to trapshooting provides a concrete starting point, while the mention of a “mysterious object” points to the later meaning.

By requiring contestants to connect these two contexts, the clue highlights the evolution of language over time. “Flying saucer” is a clear example of how a phrase can move from a literal description to a widely recognized cultural concept, making it an ideal answer.